by Jaden Skye
“Yeah, something like that,” Eric’s voice turned into a drawl, as Cindy suddenly remembered that Eric was also one of her customers, if not the main one. She wondered if he’d had confrontations with Burnd? Was Eric scared of the guy? Is that why he hadn’t said anything about him? Of course Cindy couldn’t say a word about this in front of Taylor.
“There’s a lot of lousy, creepy punks at the whore houses,” Taylor chimed in. “But why the hell would they pick on my brother? Charma had to have had plenty of other regulars! My brother only went there when he was in town.”
“Good point,” Eric agreed, “I think Cindy should meet Burnd herself and talk to him.”
“Cindy should?” Taylor’s eyes opened in fright. “Why the hell her?”
“She’s the detective on the case, after all,” Eric commented, “and I won’t let her go alone. I’ll back her up.”
“What the hell is a punk like Burnd going to tell her?” Taylor grew jittery.
“You never know,” Eric replied, “when you’re up against a loose cannon all kinds of things comes out.”
“Good idea,” Cindy agreed immediately. “I want to go.”
Taylor drew his chair back. “Well, I’m not going along, that’s for sure. This is where I had enough.”
“You don’t have to,” said Eric. “I’ll help you get into the books at Pete’s company and see what you can find there.”
“That’s a deal,” Taylor stood up then, ready to go. “I’m not so hungry for dinner now either, if you know what I mean,” he added. ”I think I’ll leave you two beautiful people to enjoy the Caribbean evening alone.”
Then as he turned to leave, Taylor suddenly stopped cold in his tracks. “Oh God, it’s her,” he muttered.
Loretta and another woman were walking straight over in his direction to a table right in front of theirs.
“Loretta,” Taylor called out in a ragged tone.
Loretta stopped cold in her tracks as well and looked over in horror at all of them..
“What are you doing here with Cindy?” Loretta exclaimed as soon as she caught her breath.
“I introduced her to someone who can help with the case,” Taylor, motioned to Eric.
Loretta looked at Eric briefly and then glared at Cindy.
“I have no idea who this person is and why Cindy’s with him, as she hasn’t said a word to me about her plans,” snapped Loretta.
“This is routine procedure, Loretta,” Cindy stood up and tried to approach her.
“There’s nothing routine about it,” Loretta insisted. “I asked you not to spend time with Pete’s brother.”
“I had to,” murmured Cindy softly.
“He’s never had one decent thing to say about me,” Loretta’s voice grew louder. “I don’t even know why he’s down here now.”
At that Eric got up and stood beside Cindy. “He’s come down to help find his brother’s killer,” he said. “He’s on your side, trying to help.”
“I never asked him to help,” muttered Loretta.
Cindy looked at the lovely, blonde, young woman who stood beside Loretta, putting her arm around her. It must be her friend, Angela, Cindy thought.
“We need all the help we can get, Loretta,” said Cindy then.
“Of course you do,” Angela smiled nicely. “They’re not your enemies, Loretta.”
“I don’t want any help from Taylor,” Loretta was agitated. “And I told Cindy not to talk to him.”
“This is an independent investigation, Loretta,” Eric stepped in strongly, putting an end to the ruckus. “It is Cindy’s responsibility to speak to anyone who can help.”
“Oh yeah?” Loretta didn’t like being put in her place. “And who are you, exactly?” she turned to Eric next.
“He’s a top lawyer down here, helping us gather information,” Taylor spoke up.
Loretta’s eyes narrowed. “How come nobody told me about him? Pete was my husband. This case belongs to me.”
“There’s a lot of people involved in this case, Loretta,” Cindy tried to calm her. “There’s even a woman who may be innocent being held for murder.”
“The whore?” Loretta practically spit.
Eric suddenly took a frantic step towards Loretta but quickly stopped himself.
“Call her what you want, if she’s innocent, she’s innocent,” Cindy exclaimed.
At that Loretta spun around and grabbed Angela’s hand. “Let’s get out of here now,” she exclaimed, “I’m not used to spending my time with low lives.” Then quick as lightening, she made her way to the door.
“What a bitch!” Taylor mouthed off. “Same as always.”
“She’s devastated,” Cindy tried to defend her.
“Yeah, she’s devastated,” said Taylor. “But she’s not the only one.”
Cindy looked over at Eric then and saw the trace of sickening pain that had flashed across his face. It had to have hurt him to hear Charma spoken about that way.
“I’m sorry Loretta spoke that way about Charma,” Cindy said to him.
“Charma doesn’t deserve it,” Eric replied. “She’s a fantastic woman.”
“Fantastic woman?” Taylor also registered a look of disgust before he spun on his heel and took off as well. “See you guys later,” he said, making his way to the front door.
Cindy and Eric, left alone gazed at each other.
“It’s just the two of us,” Eric said softly. “Do you still want to sit down and have a bite to eat?”
“Sure,” Cindy responded. “I’d love to. Why not?”
Chapter 15
To Cindy’s surprise dinner with Eric was lovely and nourishing. The case was taking a toll and both of them needed the down time, and the warm, spicy food hit the spot.
“I’m sorry you have to go through this, I really am,” said Eric they ate the delicious food slowly.
“It’s my job,” Cindy replied, “just what I do.”
“Why?” Eric suddenly asked, looking up at Cindy perplexed.
“Why, what? Why do I do this job?” Cindy smiled at the expression on his face.
“Yes, why do you?” asked Eric. “I’ve been wondering about that all night long.”
“That’s a long story,” Cindy murmured.
“Go right ahead, I have all night long,” Eric replied with a craggy smile, real warmth exuding from him. He wanted to listen. Cindy felt it in her bones.
Touched and surprised, Cindy felt playful, but still cautious.
“Remember I made you a promise that I wouldn’t try to understand you?” she asked.
“Sure,” Eric responded, “but I didn’t make you that promise and don’t plan to. It doesn’t mean I can’t try to understand you.” He looked at her tenderly. “I actually want to know everything about you.”
His comment made Cindy nervous. “There’s no reason for it. We’re two ships passing in the night”, she replied, stopping herself from saying anything more.
“Two ships who could travel side by side, possibly?” Eric’s glance turned quizzical.
The strange moment between them hung in the air, waiting for a reply. There was no question that they were really comfortable together and, strangely in synch. They also were both alone. But Cindy actually knew nothing about him, except for the all-important fact, that Eric was one of Charma’s main customers, and that he cared about Charma a lot. That was all Cindy had to remember to break the spell.
“From where I stand, it looks like you’re taken,” Cindy said softly, not wanting to go further down this road.
“You mean Charma?” Eric responded quietly.
“Yes,” Cindy replied.
“You’re judging me because of her?” Eric looked distressed.
“I’m not judging you at all,” Cindy replied, “just acknowledging the facts as I know them.”
“You don’t think guys who frequent prostitutes can ever have anything more?” Eric’s face flushed. “You don’t think I ever had another relationship?
”
“Of course, you must have,” Cindy responded.
“My wife of ten years, who I adored, cheated on me,” Eric replied swiftly. “Then she took everything from me, including my kids.”
“Awful,” breathed Cindy.
“You can’t even imagine,” Eric retorted, a look of deep bitterness crossing his face.
“I can imagine,” replied Cindy.
“No, you can’t. No one can,” the muscles on his face tightened.
“Of course I can imagine,” said Cindy, “and it seems that you decided never to trust a woman again. It must have become easier to have love for sale.”
Eric bristled. “I don’t think of Charma as love for sale.” Obviously the phrase disturbed him. “Charma does her job. I do mine. She does her job well, I respect her for that.”
Cindy thought that Eric had no idea how attached he was to Charma, but it wasn’t her business. She decided to say nothing more about it.
“Don’t you think I can change?” Eric was far from done, though.
“I suppose it’s possible,” said Cindy.
“Everything is possible,” Eric insisted.
“Yes, that’s true,” Cindy agreed, “everything is possible, but some things are not so likely to happen.”
“You’re pessimistic,” Eric chided. “I didn’t realize that before. Such a beautiful woman and so pessimistic!”
“Not pessimistic, realistic,” Cindy replied.
“No, pessimistic, and that’s why you’re alone.”” Eric was insistent. “
Eric’s comment stung. Even though it might be so, Cindy felt his comment was out of order.
“You’ve been hurt a lot, badly disappointed,” Eric was on the offensive. “And you’re reacting to your pain by doing this kind of work. And, now even doing it alone.”
“I didn’t know I was being psychoanalyzed,” Cindy replied curtly. “I happen to love the work I do. I respect it.”
“I like you, Cindy,” Eric’s voice became stronger. “You’re smart, you’re beautiful. I have a right to want to know more about you.”
“I like you too, Eric,” Cindy replied, “you’re smart, you’re handsome, you’re well established. Should I say I have a right to know more as well?”
“Yes, you should,” he replied.
“But that’s not why I’m here with you for dinner,” Cindy turned the conversation around. “I’m here to do a job, to find out who killed my friend’s husband.”
“You’re hiding behind that,” Eric insisted.
“Whether I am or not doesn’t make a difference,” Cindy replied. “It’s why I’m here.”
“And that lady doesn’t look like much of a friend. She’s nasty, she’s bitter,” he continued.
“Loretta’s upset and alone. Her husband has been killed, she has a right to lash out,” Cindy declared.
“Okay, you win,” Eric drew back then. “I’ll give you the same promise you gave me. I won’t try to understand anything about you. I’ll just do what I can to help.”
“That would be wonderful,” said Cindy, “I’d appreciate that.”
“You’re most welcome, beautiful lady,” Eric smiled. “You’re wise too, I’m sure of that. Looks like we’re both in much too far over our heads already.”
Cindy wasn’t sure what he meant by that. “It’s easy to get lost, she just said simply.
“Very easy,” Eric replied. “You can say that again.”
“What’s next then?” asked Cindy.
“Let’s finish up here and go find John Burnd,” Eric was right on it.
“So late?” asked Cindy.
“Absolutely,” Eric replied. “Guys like him don’t come out of the woodwork when there’s still the light of day.”
*
The cab wound down dark, narrow streets to the edge of the neighborhood, making its way slowly.
“There’s a club Burnd hangs out in, Rattlesnake Gin,” Eric said as they drew closer. “It’s sleazy, it’s dirty, but the locals love it. They got crazy music and terrific beer.”
Cindy wondered how come Eric was so familiar with the place?
“When we walk in, hold onto my arm so the thugs think you’re taken,” Eric instructed.
“Women don’t come here alone?” Cindy was curious.
“Some do, of course,” Eric muttered, “if they’re looking for a quick fix. They usually hit up guys at the bar then, and go with them into a back room.”
Cindy closed her eyes. This was the last place she wanted to be. How did it happen that she was here, alone with Eric, hunting down an obsessed guy who could possibly be the murderer? It was a question Cindy rarely asked herself, but in the dark hush of this evening the thoughts swirled in her mind. Starting to feel despondent, Cindy looked out of the cab widow and saw a sliver of a new moon trying to burst out from behind the clouds. How did she know she could even trust Eric? Suddenly, nothing about her life made any sense at all.
Eric gave her arm a little squeeze suddenly, as if he’d picked up her desolate thoughts.
“You’re a heroine, Cindy,” he whispered. “I don’t know one other woman who would do what you’re doing, alone here on a murky night.”
“A heroine or just a blind fool,” Cindy responded, pulling a little away from him.
*
Rattlesnake Gin was hidden away inside a shanty building with low ceilings, peeling walls and all sorts of insects crawling along the dirt floor. It was dark inside with red lights hanging from the ceiling and noisy music creating a din over the sound of voices laughing at nothing.
The bar at the front was packed when they walked in. Eric nodded to the guy dishing out large mugs of beer.
“Burnd here yet?” Eric asked.
“In the back,” the guy answered, obviously knowing Eric.
“You’ve been here before,” Cindy commented as Eric led her towards the back of the place.
“Yes, I have,” answered Eric, but keep your priorities straight. It’s not me you’re investigating, it’s Burnd.
“My priorities are absolutely straight up,” Cindy remarked, as they grew closer to a table in the corner at the back. A guy, who looked half drunk, sat at it, leaning over, as if he were about to fall face down on the top.
“Burnd!” Eric said as they got to the table.
“Yeah? Huh?” Burnd mumbled to himself, not bothering to look up.
Eric pulled out a chair for Cindy next to Burnd and then sat down close beside her, too close.
“I brought someone to see you, Burnd,” Eric tried to rouse him.
“Who the hell is this?” Burnd peered up without raising his head.
“She’s here to help Charma,” Eric continued.
At that, Burnd suddenly raised his head and flung it towards Cindy.
“Get Charma out right away. She doesn’t belong in jail. She didn’t do anything,” his eyes began to bore into Cindy’s face.
“I’m doing the best I can,” said Cindy strongly. “You got to help me, too.”
At that Burnd’s eyes opened further. “Me, help?” The idea took him by surprise. Cindy wondered if anyone had ever asked for his help with anything?
“Sit up straight,” Eric chimed in.
Burnd sat up straighter then. Cindy could smell the liquor reeking from his breath and in the dim light saw his red, bleary eyes.
“Charma’s mine,” Burnd muttered as he sat up straighter, “I want her out of the coop. I need to see her. I can’t go on like this without her. I miss her like hell.”
Cindy wondered what how Eric could bear to hear Burnd speaking like this. To Cindy’s amazement, Eric took it as a matter course. It didn’t seem to bother him at all.
“Tell me about Pete, the guy who was murdered,” Cindy dove in, hoping to get whatever she could from Burnd while he was coherent.
Burnd’s lips curled. “Yeah, Pete, the pretty boy.”
“Did Charma like him?” Cindy leaned in closer, confronting him. She had to see if Pet
e had gone too far with Charma and Burnd wanted to get rid of him?
Burnd’s mouth turned into an ugly grin. “Charma didn’t like anyone but me,” his words rolled out heavily. “She told me that a lot of times. The rest of the guys were just money for her. Including him!”
“Including Pete?” asked Cindy.
“Nah,” Burnd rolled his head around, “including your date for the night, Eric!”
Eric laughed out loud at that remark.
“Laugh all you want,” Burnd’s eyes creased back closed, “Charma told me lots of times. You weren’t her kind, man, she just needed the money.”
“Only you were her kind,” Cindy repeated.
“Yeah,” Burnd liked that. “Now you got it straight.”
“So, why did Charma kill Pete?” Cindy’s voice dropped to a rough whisper, trying to trip Burnd up.
“She didn’t kill him, bitch! Don’t you even dare think that,” Burnd eyes rolled back and forth in his head. “Some idiot did it and dropped the guy in her room. She wasn’t even there when he was killed.”
Even though Cindy realized that Charma was out with Eric at the time she still wanted to goad Burnd into telling her more.
“You didn’t like that she was out with someone else, did you?” Cindy went on.
“You don’t get it, honey. It didn’t matter to me. I was the only one she loved,”Burnd insisted, drool dripping from the edge of his mouth.
“And what about Pete? I heard she loved him, too,” Cindy wouldn’t let up.
“Loved that pretty boy?” Burnd stuck his face up. “Nah, she laughed at him behind his back, and she laughed at his stupid wife, too.”
“Charma knew Loretta?” Cindy zoned in.
“She saw her once,” Burnd continued, “told me what a stuck up idiot the lady was. We both laughed at her good and plenty.”
Cindy looked over at Eric who looked incredibly sad in the dim light.
“Charma even once told me she’d like to see Pete’s stuck up wife get what she deserved! A good whacking,” Burnd laughed at that out loud. “I wished I could have given her the pleasure of that.”
Eric stiffened and his voice tightened. “Did someone else give Charma that pleasure, Burnd? Did Charma have Pete killed to get at his wife?”
