No Reservations

by Natalia Banks

  “Okay,” she said, setting a hand on Griffin’s brawny shoulder, “I’m going to run down the library to meet Albert and Carmen, walk ’em through what we’ve got so far. It’s gonna take a miracle to pull this thing off without a hitch, but all of us together, I know we can get it done.”

  “That’s the spirit,” Griffin said with a wink. “Just, y’know, be careful.”

  Those words settled into the back of Lorraine’s brain with an ominous ring. “How do you mean?”

  He broke an awkward smile. “No, it’s…it’s nothing, never mind. You’re a big girl; I know you can take care of yourself.”

  “Against what…or who? Griffin, you’re scaring me a little bit.”

  “Really, it’s nothing, I’m just…I’m just being silly, that’s all. I’ve grown enormously fond of you, Lorraine Devonshire. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “But…what’s going to happen to me?”

  “Nothing, I’m sure, it’s just…in general, y’know? Like I said, I’m just being silly. Something about you, maybe, taking me off guard.”

  “Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. I think all three of us could stand to let our guard down a bit.” A sad silence passed before Lorraine said, “Does it have to do with your late wife?”

  He nodded. “Kayla was…she was something else. You’d have liked her. She would have liked you, I’m sure.” Lorraine nodded, but she didn’t have to say anything. She knew what she was about to hear, but there was no way to prepare for just how terrible it would be.

  Griffin stared out into the distance, only able to offer little glances at Lorraine as his memories crept up on him. “She was on her way to the store, the local supermarket. I don’t even remember what she was going to buy. Doesn’t really make a difference; she never made it that far.”

  Lorraine leaned against Griffin, a loving show of silent support. He went on, “Some kids had heard about this…this urban myth or whatever—a trend, a popular pastime.” He took a deep breath. “So they stole a manhole cover and took it up to a footbridge over the freeway. Those have a chainlink fence on each side, but this one was damaged—there was a seam between the link of the fence and the concrete of the wall, shouldn’t have been there.”

  “They didn’t—?”

  “Yes, they did.” A lump rose in Lorraine’s throat, stopping up whatever useless, pointless words she might have found if she could have. He went on, “She didn’t have a chance. They’re not even sure if she ever saw it coming. Investigator said she didn’t hit the brakes, didn’t swerve.”

  “Oh Griffin, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “No it’s…it’s good, I’m glad you did. I want you to know. I don’t tell many people, but you’re special, Lorraine, and you’re very special to me.” Lorraine smiled, gently rubbing his arm and giving him a little pat. “Anyway, we couldn’t give her an open casket funeral, obviously, that…the way it all happened. Then there was the pileup afterward. She lingered, long enough to know what had happened though, long enough to know what was happening. She asked about me, I was told—where I was, why wasn’t I there. But I was at the office, miles away. I wasn’t there for her; there wasn’t anything I could do!”

  Lorraine wrapped her arm around Griffin, and he pulled her close, strong arms wrapping around her, cheek pressing against her short, red hair. “You can’t blame yourself, Griffin. It was a horrible thing, but you could never have anticipated that. And even if you had been there, there wouldn’t have been anything you could do.”

  He just stared out, eyes dewy. “I would have been driving. It would have been me, not her. It should have been me.”

  Lorraine combed her fingers through Griffin’s hair. “And poor Ashe, hasn’t said a word since that day.” He gritted his teeth, visibly biting back on his anger and forcing a smile. “They never caught the kids. That only would have destroyed their lives too.”

  “I’m so sorry, Griffin.”

  “Yeah,” he said, “so am I.” They stood in their quiet melancholy; Griffin cleared his throat. He wiped his eyes and forced a smile. “Hey, you’ve got a meeting at the library, and I’ve got to get downtown, knock a few heads about these permits.”

  “Right.” She smiled. “Okay. Meet up later for lunch?”

  “You know my number.” They shared a smile and a kiss, but Lorraine didn’t make it as far as the door before Griffin repeated, “Be careful.”

  She turned. “I will, Griffin, I really will.” But she walked out of that hotel suite with the distinct feeling that it wasn’t going to matter how careful she was.

  Lorraine felt more and more confident dealing with Carmen and Albert, both her superiors. All three of them knew Lorraine had scored several major victories for the library; Carmen and Albert’s secret affair gave Lorraine all the leverage she needed. But there was more to it than that. She was smiling easily at their discomfort. But it wasn’t their discomfort but her increasing comfort, her growing strength in dealing with people which inspired that little smile—with Donal, with Albert and Carmen, with everybody.

  They walked around the library’s exterior, Lorraine pointing out a broad swath of the parking lot to her right, planning the finishing touches for the event that was only a few short days away. “I think the bandstand would go there, the concession tables over there. And the protestors in front.”

  “Protestors?”

  “Well, no, Albert, not really protestors, but…somebody’s gotta hold the signs, right?”

  Carmen repeated, “Signs?”

  “Sure, save our libraries, that kind of thing. It’s not a birthday party, Car.”

  Carmen and Albert shared a nervous glance. “I guess,” was all Carmen could say.

  “Look, I know you two are a little nervous. And what I said before, I didn’t mean for you to think that I was lording anything over you.”

  Albert said, “But you were, Miss Devonshire, that’s exactly what you were doing.”

  “And I’m sorry I had to, Albert, I really am. And I want you both to know that I will not break my promise. Your secret’s safe with me.”

  “Well that’s…that’s great, Lorraine,” Carmen said, “but what about the library?” Lorraine tiled her head, slight confusion before Carmen explained, “What if things get out of hand? You gather enough people like that together, carrying signs and getting all worked up. What if they rampage through the library, overturning tables and knocking the shelves down?”

  Albert said, “Carmen’s absolutely right. We should at least lock up the library.”

  “But Albert, a big part of this is to bring new people into the library—people who forgot we even existed. But all the good stuff’s actually inside the library.” Albert and Carmen sighed. Lorraine couldn’t help but wonder, What are they so edgy about? Do they mistrust me that much? Has my reputation really gotten that bad?

  Or do they know something I don’t?

  No, no, Lorraine silently assured herself, don’t do that, don’t give into fear. That’s the old Lorraine Devonshire!

  Lorraine smiled and turned back toward library. “I think we’ll put the face painter and the bouncy house over there.”

  Albert said, “I thought you said it wasn’t a birthday party.”

  “Let’s think of it as a rebirthday party.”

  Chapter 12

  The elk Jalapeño dog at Biker Jim’s was both gamey and spicy, coated with a hot mustard. Griffin and Ashe devoured their own dogs, exotic and fanciful against the homey, roadhouse atmosphere.

  “I’ve never had a hot dog like this before,” Griffin said. “Like yours, Ashe?”

  The boy nodded, his mouth filled with food as he chewed, a bit of mustard in the corner of his mouth.

  “It’s not exactly your average dog,” Lorraine said, “but it’s good to have some down-home food every now and then: hot dogs and pizza and things.” After an awkward pause, she explained, “Not that I haven’t had a great time this week—all those
fancy restaurants.”

  “It’s been more than our pleasure,” Griffin said.

  A nervous thought wiggled in the back of Lorraine’s imagination. “I have to say…I’m really gonna miss you two.”

  Griffin knew what she was saying, and instead of contradicting her, he only offered a slow, resolute half-smile.

  “Well, well.” Lorraine looked up at the familiar voice, Donal standing by their table wearing a broad, fake smile. “Look what we have here: the first family of Denver, Colorado.”

  Griffin’s eyes shifted from Donal to Lorraine until she introduced the two men. “Donal Roland, this is Griffin Phoenix and his son, Ashe. Guys, this is Donal, he’s…he’s a friend.”

  “A friend,” Donal said, “that’s rich.” He grinned at Griffin. “No pun intended. So what’s your plan with this guy, Lorraine? String him along like you did with me, and then when something bigger and better comes along, drop him like a hot potato? I should have known those months we were together, you were just wasting my fucking time!”

  Griffin stood up and faced Donal down. “Watch your language, buddy! We don’t have any business with you, Mr. Roland. Leave us alone.”

  “Wow, that’s good,” Donal said, “that’s really good. What’s gonna happen, you gonna beat me up too, like you did that other guy?”

  “If you leave me no choice.”

  “Right. I’m no sex attacker, pal. Touch me and I’ll sue!”

  Griffin grabbed Donal by the ear, a move so quick and graceful that Donal was bent forward before he knew what was happening. “Ouch! Ow, stop it!”

  Griffin calmly walked Donal out of the restaurant to proactively avoid the uncomfortable scene that was quickly unfolding, Lorraine and Ashe behind them.

  “Now you listen to me. Lorraine Devonshire is off-limits to you. You see her on the street, cross to the other side and keep walking.”

  “Or what?”

  Griffin yanked Donal, brought him in close, and said in a warning tone, “Like I said, take off and keep your distance!”

  He returned to Lorraine and Ashe while Donal staggered off. “I’m sorry that was uncomfortable; I think he got the message.”

  Lorraine said, “Thanks, Griffin…again. You can’t seem to stop coming to my rescue.”

  He smiled. “More than my pleasure.”

  Back at the hotel room, Griffin was on the phone again, pacing around the suite’s posh living room. “Of course we want news coverage, as much as we can get!”

  Ashe was sitting at the couch, eyes fixed on his laptop, fingers flying over the keys. Lorraine came in from the powder room, drawn to Ashe’s typing. “Wow, you’re fast,” Lorraine said. “Guess that’s a benefit to growing up online. Though I have to admit I use my mouse more than anything else.”

  Ashe nodded but kept typing. Lorraine asked, “What’re you writing? Mind if I take a look?” Ashe nodded and kept typing, Lorraine sitting next to him and leaning closer for a good view of the screen.

  Ashe was working with a word processing program—a white page lined with black text. Lorraine read just the few lines which were nearest to Ashe’s whirring cursor:

  As a free society, we must look out for one another, to give back with everything we can, everything we have. The Bible asks, ‘What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?’ And the library is the very soul of a community, where mind and heart converge.

  “Where mind and heart converge?” Lorraine would have challenged his authorship out of sheer disbelief at the quality of the writing, but she was watching him do it, so there was little room to be confused.

  But there was plenty of room to be impressed. “You know the Bible, Ashe?” He shrugged and held his hand out, tilting it one way and then the other. “I see,” Lorraine said. “You’re more of a researcher than a theologian.” Ashe nodded and Lorraine couldn’t help but chuckle. She read on, interrupting herself to ask, “This is a speech for the rally, for your dad?” Ashe nodded. “Wow, that’s…that’s really impressive, Ashe, I mean it. I know a lot of adults who aren’t that eloquent.”

  “Kid’s a genius, I’m tellin’ ya,” Griffin said. “If I could write that well, I wouldn’t bother to talk either.” Griffin said, “Ashe, would you write something for Lorraine too?”

  Ashe nodded, but Lorraine said, “Me? Oh no, Griffin, no.”

  “Oh yes, Lorraine, yes.”

  A few minutes later, Lorraine’s own smartphone rang, Jeremy’s name on the screen. “Jer, how are ya?”

  “I’m good, Lo’, good. Gettin’ ready for the big rally?”

  “Sure am. I’ve got everybody I know coming down, covered Denver with fliers. It was even on the local news, Lo’! I don’t think you’re gonna have any attendance problems.”

  “And got both Crosby and Nash, so…” But a tense silence wriggled by between them. “You don’t sound that excited, Jeremy.”

  Jeremy’s voice came fast, anxious. “Of course I am, Lo’. And I’m glad for you, that you found that wonderful man. It’s…it’s great.”

  But a sad, nervous thought flashed in the back of Lorraine’s mind. “You…you’re not jealous, Jeremy?”

  “Me, jealous? No, Lo’, of course not. How could you even think such a thing?”

  “I dunno, he’s rich and everything; he’s such a great guy.”

  “And you deserve that, Lo’. What have I been telling you?”

  “I know, I know, you were right, I know that now. You’re a good friend, Jeremy, my best friend.”

  “That’s sweet, kiddo, really…thanks for making it even worse!”

  “Worse? Jeremy, what are you talking about?”

  Jeremy’s voice was rich with a whiny sorrow. “You’re my best friend too, Lorraine, and now I’m gonna lose you! You’re gonna go off with that man, probably marry him, fly off to New York or Paris or wherever his various castles are.”

  “Jeremy—”

  “And I’ll never see you again! And that’s gonna suck, Lorraine!”

  Lorraine wanted to contradict him, but she was secretly hoping he was right. “It might not happen that way, Jeremy. I even…I kind of brought it up.”

  “And what did he say?”

  “Actually, he didn’t. So I think the chances of me staying in Denver are pretty good.”

  But Jeremy’s tearful voice was still swollen with misery. “Oh, Lorraine, I’m so sorry to hear that. Are you sure?”

  Lorraine glanced at Griffin, standing at the window and staring out over Denver, phone to his ear. “No, Jeremy, I… I’m not sure of anything anymore.”

  “Are you okay?”

  She felt that wave of sorrow return, almost impossible to disguise. “That, I’m especially not sure about. And this is the only thing that matters to me anymore.”

  “I see,” Griffin said into his phone, grabbing Lorraine’s attention. “When?” Lorraine and Ashe both looked over at Griffin as he turned away from the window. “All right well, keep us posted.” Griffin swiped the screen.

  “What is it, Griffin?”

  Griffin sighed. “Your attacker, Tony Gardner.”

  “Yeah?”

  “They had to let him go.”

  Chapter 13

  Lorraine said into the phone, “Jeremy, I have to call you back.” She swiped the screen and set down the phone. “They let him go? Why, how?”

  “Mishandled the arrest,” Griffin said. “Your local cops blew it and Gardner lawyered up.”

  Lorraine sat there and she could feel the blood drain from her face. “Oh no,” she said, “no, no…”

  Griffin crossed to her, wrapping his arms around her. “It’s all right, Lorraine, you don’t have any reason to be afraid.”

  “But I do, Griffin. He might have forgotten all about me before. But now he’ll be mad; he’ll know there’s nothing we can do to stop him.”

  “He’ll be injured, Lorraine. What can he do with one good arm? And honestly, sex attackers are bullies and bullies are cowards. That g
uy’s probably so relieved to be off the hook that he’s miles away. He’s not gonna try to come after you again, Lorraine. Not while I’m around.”

  “But what if you’re not around? After the rally, you’ll go back to New York and I’ll be here…alone…”

  “Why do you keep saying that?”

  “Because it’s true!”

  Griffin looked at Lorraine and she looked back on him, his eyes searching hers for the answer to some question he didn’t seem ready to ask. Instead, he said, “Ashe, you stay here with Mrs. B. Lorraine and I have some urgent business.”

  “Griffin?”

  “Trust me, Lorraine. Trust me.”

  “I-I guess I don’t have a choice, do I?”

  Griffin smiled and opened the suite’s front door. “No, you don’t.”

  Larry Devonshire shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Lo’, there’s got to be something we can do.”

  “I don’t like it one bit,” Sally said. “I think you should cancel.”

  “Can’t,” Lorraine said. “Everything’s in place. We’re set; it’s too late to turn back now. I wouldn’t if I could.”

  “Don’t be foolish, Lorraine,” Sally snapped.

  “It’s up to us to set the example.” Lorraine held her own. “If we back out, the whole campaign could fold.”

  “She’s right,” Griffin said. “And I really don’t think this guy is going to be a problem. I’ll have his mug shot distributed among the security, have him picked up the minute he shows his face. I still don’t see that happening.”

  Sally leaned forward a bit, one brow raised. “But you can’t be certain.”

  Griffin gave it some thought. “I’ll hire a few extra guys. That rat won’t slip through, I promise. If he does, I’ll take care of him myself.”

  “But he could be in disguise,” Sally said. “Maybe he’s got a friend nobody’ll know. The point is, you can’t be sure.”