Rough Ride (Riding with Honor)

by Rebecca Avery

  People swarmed Bobby, Tommy and Chuck asking for autographs and pictures. A few of the women wanted pictures with Bobby or Tommy. Some of them wore clothing that made her blush while others simply wore jeans and a t-shirt.

  She wore jeans also with a silk blouse and a colorful head band to hold back her long hair, but somehow she felt like the only one who wore a formal dress to a casual dance. She tried to stay out of the way and keep Gretchen from seeing or over-hearing too much.

  Once the sun began to set even more people started to crowd the already packed streets. Tommy and Bobby seemed in their element as they talked about their motorcycles that were proudly displayed behind the roped off area of the booth.

  She sat near one of the tables and those customers who were interested in having work done to their bikes or who wanted more information on custom built bikes were directed to her. She took down their information and assured them someone would contact them as soon as possible.

  Bobby had been all hands the past night and she could feel her body respond just to the thought of the things he had done to her. She must have fallen asleep while he was out because the next thing she knew it was morning and he was kissing her awake so they could leave. She had wanted more time alone with him but knowing how busy the day would be she’d not said anything to him, and he hadn’t given any indications that he wanted more from her.

  Once they made it back to the camper to meet up with the guys and then head on to the booth, it had been nonstop working. She forced her mind away from thoughts of Bobby and focused on helping customers, answering the questions she could and getting as much customer contact information as possible.

  Several people showed interest in buying Dickie’s jacket as well and she made note of sizes and assured them that she would get back to them about pricing. The later in the afternoon it became the less interested people were in buying things or talking about bikes.

  A group of rough looking guys convinced Bobby and Tommy to race their bikes. They left without a backwards glance and after more than an hour had passed without them returning, she was ready to leave.

  “I think we need to get Gretchen back to the campsite before the real rowdiness kicks in,” Dickie told her. “Did you want to go back too or stick around here for a while?”

  Having seen all she wanted of the women who flaunted themselves at the guys on top of watching Bobby leave with the rough looking group of bikers and several women, she was more than ready.

  “Let me get everything stored back in the cabinets and locked up and we can close up for the night. Looks like the crowds have different interests now,” she said, looking in the direction Bobby and Tommy had gone.

  “You’ll have to ride back with Chuck while I take the squirt on my bike,” Dickie said, looking anywhere but at her.

  “That’s fine I’ll just be a minute,” she said, gathering up the items from the tables and storing them in the cabinets.

  Dickie made his way to Chuck and leaning in said a few things to him. Then he went about fastening Gretchen’s seat to his bike, checking it over to be sure it was secure. Chuck folded in the flaps to the tent and secured them. Once everything was closed up for the night, she made her way outside the tent and over to the bikes.

  As she climbed onto the back of Chuck’s bike and wrapped her arms around him locking her fingers as she’d done to Bobby, he laughed.

  “Hey now! Did you forget who you’re riding behind?” he laughed.

  Then taking her hands he placed them at his waist.

  “I don’t want to fall off, I thought…” she said.

  Chuck laughed again and after seeing the look on her face simply cleared his throat as the amusement left his face. “Ready?” he said.

  “Yea,” she choked out.

  He had played her from the start! Now that he’d got what he was after, he went off looking for a new game. It was obvious from the look on Dickie’s face earlier and now Chuck too. Lilly fought back tears. Somehow it was hard to fathom that what they’d shared last night was just casual sex. Not that she was all that experienced but it had seemed like more to her.

  As they made it to the campsite, Chuck let her off and then advised Dickie that he was heading out. After that he was gone. Dickie seemed to be avoiding her so she took Gretchen inside to get a shower and then lay down in the bed and got on her laptop. Checking her inbox she found an email from Detective Sanders at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

  Dear Mrs. Warner:

  I need to speak with you at your earliest convenience. I left a voicemail message on your cell phone as well with my cell phone number which you can call anytime. A few things have come up while investigating your husband’s business deals. Please be assured that you have been and remain cleared of any wrong doing. However, I am hopeful that you can assist me in trying to locate some of the funds your husband obtained illegally. As you know there were many victims in this case, many who lost nearly everything and any assistance you can provide would be appreciated.

  Sincerely,

  Det. G. Sanders

  This seemed like icing on the cake. Between attempting to not think about Bobby and where he was or what he was doing… now she was reminded of those things she had come here to forget. Digging her cell phone out she listened to Greg Sanders voicemail message and then not caring that it was late, dialed his number.

  “Detective Sanders,” he answered on the second ring.

  “This is Lilly Warner returning your phone call from earlier, sorry I missed you,” she said.

  “Lilly, thanks for calling me back. The reason I called you is I need a favor. Your husband’s friend Kyle Mayan… you knew him pretty well didn’t you?” he asked.

  “Yea, Kyle had dinner with my husband and I often… why?” she responded.

  “He worked with your husband as well… correct?” he asked.

  “Yes…” she replied.

  “Well, we have been unable to account for nearly eight million dollars and all roads lead to him. Unfortunately, I got nothing to go on. All fingers initially pointed squarely at your husband, but we have scoured your accounts, your husband’s accounts, the business accounts… it’s gone,” he said.

  “But I thought that Kyle lost money as well… he’s a victim in this too,” she said in confusion.

  “Well yes, he did, but compared to what some lost his total is, well…minor. We have reason to believe he only claimed his financial loss as a way to throw us off his trail. If he’s one of the victims, why would we look to him for the missing money? Do you understand what I’m asking you Lilly?” he said.

  “Actually no I don’t. What do you need from me?” she asked.

  “From what I understand, he liked you… more than just as friends… am I right? Were you two ever… involved?” he said.

  “No! Of course not, I passed the lie detector test with flying colors and they asked me every which way possible if I had an affair on my husband, if I had hired someone to run him off the road, if I knew where the money was and so forth. You know that detective, and you also know I had no idea what was going on. I may have been naïve and clueless about my husband’s business and extramarital relationships but I’m not a criminal!” she said defensively.

  “I’m sorry Lilly. That’s not what I meant… what I am trying to say is was he interested in getting involved with you? Did he ever approach you or make a pass at you?” he asked.

  Thinking back, she had always avoided being alone with Kyle because somehow he made her feel uncomfortable. He stared a little too much, sat too close to her or brushed up against her in ways that made her feel uncomfortable.

  “Well he never outright made a pass at me, but he did sometimes pay me too much attention even though he was friends with my husband. After Darren died, he was always there wanting to help in any way he could and he did ask me out as friends. I never went though, because it seemed inappropriate somehow,” she finally replied.

  “I’m wondering if you woul
d be interested in working with the department to try and get him to either tell you where the money is or at least admit any participation in the deals. Maybe provide you with enough questionable funds that we can get a search warrant. Would you help me out here Lilly?” he asked.

  “You think if he was involved he would just tell me? I don’t think he liked me that much,” she said.

  “We are hoping that if you show some interest, play the ‘damsel in distress’ card, he’ll bite,” he replied.

  “What exactly do you want me to do?” she asked.

  Detective Sanders explained that she was to voluntarily ‘turn herself in’ to the department on some trumped up charges. Then she would call Kyle and beg for his help. She would wear a wire and play the distressed widow who’d lost it all and was going to take the fall for her husband because she was out of funds and out of friends.

  They believed he would either confess to having an idea about the missing funds or would put up enough money between bail, plus an attorney and other bogus expenses that they would have enough to question where the funds had come from.

  “If you do this for us, we’ll make sure that the life insurance benefits and investment funds that are still frozen are made available to you as soon as possible. I know that the red tape has been brutal in light of the investigation but we have the resources to ensure that the insurance company and broker’s office are notified our investigation is complete with regards to you. Plus you might be able to help us put away anyone else involved in this mess and possibly return some victim’s hard earned money,” he finished.

  “Can I think about it for a few days?” she asked.

  “Yea, but please… every day spent is one more day that money could be spent, or moved or who knows what. So the sooner you can help us out the better,” he said.

  “I’ll let you know in a few days,” she said.

  “I know we aren’t exactly old friends but I did come to bat for you by verifying your alibis and getting video evidence… I really pounded the pavement for you Lilly,” he said.

  “I know detective and I can’t thank you enough, but I left there to escape the rumors and now you’re asking me to return and basically make it appear that the police do have something on me. That isn’t something I can just readily agree too… those people were brutal to me even after I was cleared. Please don’t pressure me, just give me a few days to think this over and I’ll get back to you. I promise,” she replied.

  “Ok, I look forward to hearing from you,” he said and disconnected the call.

  Closing the laptop up and setting it on the kitchen counter, she crawled in to bed beside Gretchen and tried to sleep. She kept tossing and turning thinking of what she knew in her heart she must do. If she could help even one of Darren’s victims get their money back, she had to at least try. Kyle had worked hand in hand with Darren and his only claim to innocence was that he had lost money too.

  The police had scoured their home and Darren’s office and found all the evidence they needed to point to Darren. Having been married to him and having benefited from the illegal money over the years, she had also been a likely suspect. Kyle was able to show legitimate business transactions over the course of a two year period. That coupled with showing his own financial loss had been enough to keep the Sheriff’s Office and FBI from looking at him any further… until now.

  “Lilly wake up,” Gretchen said shaking her arm.

  “What’s wrong sweetie?” she asked sitting up.

  “Nothing…its morning and I’m hungry,” she said.

  Looking around she realized it was light outside. She must have finally fallen asleep but it seemed like just minutes ago. Throwing back the blankets she headed out to the kitchen to find Dickie and Chuck sitting at the table eating cereal. Upon seeing her enter, they looked at each other and then continued eating. He hadn’t come back last night!

  “I’ll get you some cereal pipsqueak,” Chuck said, standing and getting a bowl from the cabinet above the table.

  Unable to face them, she went back to the bedroom she shared with Gretchen and got dressed. This was exactly what she had been afraid of when she got involved with him, but she had done it anyway. Now the guys were uncomfortable thinking of how she’d react to him moving on so quickly. She was humiliated that not even a full twenty four hours later he was out with someone else. She couldn’t do this…she wouldn’t do this.

  All those times that Darren had said he was working late or had a meeting out of town, he’d been with other women, but never did he flaunt it in her face as Bobby did. Well if he had moved on, then perhaps she had her answer about whether or not to help out Detective Sanders.

  She could leave out and be in New York by tonight. Once she did this for Detective Sanders, the money that Darren had legitimately earned and the investment money his parents had given them for their wedding gift would be available to use for a new life far from New York or Florida.

  “Miss Lilly were you wanting to go and sit at the booth today? If not, Chuck and I can handle it no problems. We’ll take Gretchen with us. I’m sure Tommy and uh… will meet us there,” Dickie said through the door.

  “I think I may stay here if that would be ok,” She replied.

  “Well ok then, Gretchen needs to change right quick but then we got to get going,” he said.

  She slid the door open and helped Gretchen get changed and get her things together for another long day sitting at the booth. Looking at the child she wanted to say goodbye but didn’t want to upset her. She’d only known these people for a little more than two weeks but it felt like much longer.

  “Gretchen, I’ve got some things I have to take care of so I won’t be here when you get back. I’m not sure when I’ll see you again, but I hope you have fun this weekend. I also hope you’ll keep practicing your letters and numbers for school and remember what I said ok?” she said again fighting back tears.

  “Where are you going?” Gretchen asked.

  “I have to go and face some things from my past so I can have a future,” She nearly whispered.

  Looking puzzled for a minute Gretchen looked up and said, “Well I hope you come back soon ‘cause I like you and at least you said goodbye.”

  Then she hugged Lilly’s legs and ran out to find Dickie carrying her bag and sunglasses.

  After hearing Chuck and Dickie’s bikes leave, she got on the laptop and made a flight reservation, then called a cab. She called and left a message for Sherri letting her know she wouldn’t be coming back from the trip and explaining that she needed to return to New York for a few days.

  Fortunately, she had the key to her storage unit in her purse so she could get more clothes once she made it to New York. Having that all organized she called Detective Sanders cell phone.

  “Detective Sanders,” he answered.

  “It’s Lilly Sanders. I have a 12:30PM flight for New York today. Can you meet me at the airport around 6:00PM?” she asked.

  “Uh, well yea… I thought you needed a few days?” he said, clearly thrilled.

  “I made up my mind faster than I thought I would. I will also need a hotel or some place to stay while this whole mess is going on,” she said.

  “Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of everything. There are three of us working on this but you will deal only with me. I’ll see you around six at the airport,” he said and disconnected the call.

  Gathering up all her belongings near the door, Lilly sat down to pen a note to the guys. Though Bobby might not care, she didn’t want the rest of them to worry.

  All:

  I apologize for the short notice but something has come up that I must take care of. As I do not know how long it will take to resolve I feel it is best to resign my position. All tax information is ready to go and just needs the file sent to the accountant. Payroll is already entered and just needs checks either written or printed. You can view all the customers I billed so that you’ll know what money is expected to come in. I ha
ve also paid all bills due and have bills scheduled to be paid for the next two weeks.

  Again, I apologize for the short notice but I truly enjoyed working with you all and appreciate the experience.

  Sincerely,

  Lilly Warner

  Hearing the cab pull up she gathered her things up, left the note on the table and headed outside. Tears rolled down her cheeks as the cab pulled away. Even with what Bobby had done she wouldn’t have traded the experience of the past two weeks for anything. She only wished it could have lasted.

  Chapter Nine

  He noticed immediately that Lilly wasn’t in the booth when he and Tommy pulled in a little past lunchtime. His gut twisted at the way that Dickie and Chuck refused to meet his eyes. Hell.

  She probably thought he was out painting the town, or worse, with another woman. After parking his bike behind the roped off area, he headed over to the table where Dickie was organizing merchandise. Gretchen sat beside him writing on a piece of paper.

  Knowing it was a stupid question before he asked it, he said, “Where’s Lilly?”

  “I’d say probably crying over your worthless ass,” Dickie said, glancing first at Gretchen and then at Chuck and then back to Bobby.

  He was stunned at Dickie’s response. Dickie had been a role model to him most of his teenage years and even into his early twenties. Though he’d gone to night school to learn about motorcycles, the real experience of it had come from Dickie. The man was clearly upset with him but attempting to refrain from chewing him a new one since Gretchen sat at the table.

  “Hey, it’s not what you think…” he said, trying to defuse the anger he felt rolling off of the older man.

  “Really Bobby? What is it then? That girl has the smarts, know-how and motivation to help take the shop to the next level. You just couldn’t keep your hands off and now we stand to lose her. Thanks to your need to tap every piece of tail east of the Mississippi,” he said angrily.