Love Never Dies

by Loren Lockner

  “Well you can just tell him that I am a-okay,” said Julia huffily, and rose to snap off a brown leaf from one of her philodendrons. She was clearly seething.

  “Maybe we can come to some sort of a compromise. I know you’re totally capable of going down and enjoying yourself this weekend. You’re spending much of your time with your boss, right?”

  Actually Julia wasn’t. A fellow flamenco dancer named Alvaro Lopez had attracted Connie’s eye and she’d already told Julia she planned on getting to know the middle-aged man better this weekend.

  “I’m spending some time with her, but believe she has other arrangements as well.”

  “You love your brother right?”

  “Why of course.” She turned toward him, the dead leaf dangling from her fingers. “Why do you ask?”

  “Think about why your brother doesn’t want you to be alone and try to understand how much it would mean to him to know you’re there with someone you know. It’s an easy solution; allow me to visit an area I’ve wanted to explore anyway and make your brother feel a whole lot better in the bargain. Besides, it’s better than his other suggestion.”

  “Which was?” asked Julia, placing her hands on her hips and shooting him a hostile glare.

  “That I was supposed to discreetly bump into you either at the Getaway Suites or at UCLA.”

  “Of all the nerve!”

  Simon chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender. “The fact you can get so indignant about your meddling brother is probably a good sign. What do you say Julia; do we go down to UCLA and have a good time, making your brother feel good about himself in the bargain, or do you tell him off?”

  Julia pursed her lips, not realizing how appealing she appeared in her oversized pink sweater, scruffy sweats, and sheepskin slippers. “You’re right. He’s only concerned about me.” She waved a warning finger at him. “But we’re not going together. If you want to follow me down to LA, that’s one thing, but I’m taking my own wheels and only spending time with you if and when I choose. Do you understand that mister?”

  “Of course,” agreed Simon innocently, “but I was just wondering if you could make one exception to this total independence plan.”

  “And what is that?” hissed Julia, instantly suspicious.

  “Do you think you could spare one hour to escort me to the Avenue of the Stars?”

  “I can’t believe it. Simon Hayes a pure unadulterated tourist?”

  He raised both hands above his head. “Guilty as charged. It’s been a lifelong fantasy of mine to stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, visit Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and check out all the famous movie stars’ handprints in their forecourt.”

  “You have got to be kidding!”

  “Look, if I’m struggling to pacify your brother could you at least indulge me a bit?”

  Julia laughed out loud. “So who’s your favorite movie star?”

  Simon looked a little embarrassed. “I’ve always had a thing for Olivia de Havilland. Ever since I saw her in Gone with the Wind I was a goner.”

  “And anybody else?”

  “If I could find Bogie’s or Cagney’s handprints, or actually any of those great forties movie stars, I’d die a happy man.”

  Julia chuckled. Simon was just full of surprises. “Alright, I’m leaving from school on Friday afternoon. Do you know where Hyatt Elementary is?”

  “Nope, but I believe you’re going to tell me,” he said.

  She retrieved a piece of blank paper and gave him brief instructions on how to reach the elementary school. “School is out at 2:15 and I’m hitting the road at 2:30. If you’re late Hayes, you’re on your own ‘cuz I’ll be gone. Then you can have the honor of explaining that to my overprotective brother.”

  “I’ll be there,” he promised, heading for the apartment’s front door.

  “I suppose you’re going to give Paul a call as soon as you get home?”

  “I did promise him an update.”

  “Well, you’ve got to hand it to him; he does have my best interests at heart. But one hour Simon Hayes, that’s all I’m spending on the Walk of Fame! Good grief!”

  The next day at Hyatt Elementary, Julia loaded her vocabulary tests and weekly journals into the car to grade that night. The weather had turned crisp and cool and she preferred scoring the children’s papers in front of a crackling fireplace instead of sitting uncomfortably at her gray metal school desk and wishing she was home. Julia slammed down the trunk lid of her Ford and noticed that a tall, thin man had removed himself from a silver BMW.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, waving at her tentatively. “Are you a teacher here?” Julia nodded as the man approached and introduced himself.

  “My name’s Mike Cooper and my nephew Jeffrey Cooper is in Mr. Smith’s class. I just got a call from my sister-in-law who’s hysterically indicated my nephew didn’t make it onto the bus, so I drove down here to check it out. Do you have any idea who I should speak to?”

  Julia knew little Jeffrey Cooper well. He was a bit of an overactive boy, but very sweet. The fact he’d missed the bus somehow didn’t surprise her.

  “Of course Mr. Cooper. If you’ll wait right here I’ll check in the office and see if he made it on the bus. Do you know what its number was?”

  “I think bus three, but I could be wrong. It’s the Vera Cruz route.”

  “I’ll be back in just a moment,” said Julia, and hurried toward the office. The sallow-faced man immediately moved to her car and just above her back rear bumper attached a small dime-sized metal disk before returning to lounge against the metallic paint of his sedan. Within three minutes Julia rejoined him.

  “He did get on the bus Mr. Cooper, so at least we know he’s not lurking around the school grounds. Why don’t you call your sister-in-law and see if there’s been any sort of update.”

  “That’s a great idea,” said Mike Cooper, flipping open his cell phone. “Hey this is Mike, have you heard anything from Jeffrey? You have… what? Jeez, you’re not going to let this go are you?” There was a long pause as Mr. Cooper frowned apologetically to her. “I don’t know about you, but I believe this deserves a spanking, not just a talking to.” He was silent for a long while and she could hear a female voice on the other end. “I don’t care what you say Cynthia, but he’s caused a lot of people undue worry. I don’t mind if he goes to a friend’s house, but shouldn’t he clear it with you first? All right, I’ll stop by later and we’ll talk about it. Yes, yes of course I’ll give myself some time to cool down. Talk to you later.” He disconnected, flipping the lid of the cell phone closed before tucking it into his pocket.

  “I’m really sorry; apparently Jeffrey wanted to stop at his friend Leon’s house and didn’t bother to tell us until after he was already there and gorging down some milk and cookies. I’m sorry to have put you to any sort of trouble.”

  “Not at all Mr. Cooper,” said Julia pleasantly. “I’m just glad to find family members who still keep track of their children. You can never be too careful in a world like this. We hear way too many horror stories about what happens to children because people don’t pay attention.”

  “Well, thank you once again for being so accommodating. Have a good day.” The obviously frustrated uncle eased himself into the BMW and pulled away from the curb, raising a friendly hand as a thank you. Julia put the incident out of her mind, not realizing Adam Gable had placed a very sophisticated tracking device on her car and that she was in more danger than she ever could know.

  Simon Hayes was not only punctual, he was early. He’d apparently taken her at word that she really might leave him if he didn’t show up on time, so his bronze Pajero idled patiently as he watched her swing her school bag into the trunk and place a cool thermos of water onto the passenger seat beside her.

  “Alright Simon, this is how it is. The traffic can get really heavy into LA on Friday afternoon so let me explain the route I’m going to take. First, we’ll head down the 101 to the city and then take the 4
05 south. UCLA is located right next to Bellaire, but the Getaway Suites are off Santa Monica Boulevard, so if you lose me just get off at Santa Monica and go northwest toward West Hollywood. The Getaway Suites are on the right.”

  “Aye, aye Captain,” he saluted.

  “And I just want you to know, Simon Hayes, that I called my brother last night and he didn’t give any indication at all that he knew you were coming down to LA with me this weekend.”

  “He’s a sly one isn’t he?” said Simon, tongue-in-cheek. “I suppose Paul wants you to call him every evening?”

  “But of course. Aargh,” growled Julia between clenched teeth. “Sometimes being a twin is so… so infuriating!”

  “Tell me about it,” said Simon, their eyes meeting over the hood of her blue Taurus. A strange flicker of some strong emotion glinted from his steel gray eyes for a fleeting moment, but whether from sadness or regret she couldn’t ascertain. Julia shook off the odd sensation, not realizing her hand automatically touched her chest and the warm glow there.

  “See you later Simon,” she murmured, and swinging into her sedan, started the engine.

  Within seconds, Simon recognized the drifting lyrics of Enya and grinned. He’d been thoroughly and completely dismissed.

  Julia hadn’t been kidding about the traffic and as he headed down Highway 101, skirting the Santa Monica Mountains, he was thankful he didn’t have to drive this highway everyday. As soon as he hit the San Fernando Valley, traffic became incredibly heavy. Contrary to Julia’s belief he might lose her, Simon kept close behind as she pulled onto the 405 freeway and headed past Beverly Hills, the traffic becoming increasingly more congested. His cautious nature forced him to continually check the rearview mirror for any car following too closely and he noticed a silver BMW on his right-hand side that had been hanging in that lane for over fifteen minutes. The late model Beamer had dark tinted windows, making it impossible to discern the driver’s features.

  “You’re just being paranoid,” he told himself, as the silver BMW also pulled off onto Santa Monica Boulevard as Julia made for the hotel. He breathed a sigh of relief when the silver BMW zoomed past the hotel and continued toward Hollywood. It was probably just another tourist. He met Julia in the reception area as she finished signing for her room.

  She grinned at him. “I’m impressed Simon, you didn’t lose me; maybe you should consider a career in police work or something.”

  “It’s crossed my mind,” he said softly, leaning toward the redheaded desk clerk. “The name is Hayes and I have a reservation for a non-smoking room.”

  “I’m going to find my room and unpack, Simon. Shall I meet you in the lobby about 5:30? We could have a drink or something.”

  “That sounds great,” he answered enthusiastically, watching her yellow and black clad form disappear through the entryway.

  “That will be room 219,” said the copper-haired clerk, giving him a pert smile.

  “Ah, just how close is that to my friend’s room?”

  “She’s actually around the other side of the building.”

  “Could I be a bit closer to her if possible?”

  “Why certainly, her room is 132, how about 141?”

  “That would be great,” said Simon, pulling out his credit card.

  The room was spacious and comfortable and Simon stretched out on the king-sized bed, rubbing his aching thigh energetically. His wireless phone gave a cell-phonic rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus and he placed the Nokia against his ear.

  The first word out of Angus O’Leary’s mouth was a foul curse and Simon winced.

  “And just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” roared Angus. The man may have been located in Toronto, but from his volume it sounded like he was in the same room.

  “Thought I’d do a little sightseeing,” said Simon, knowing full well Angus knew exactly where he was.

  “I warned you before to let the girl alone. There’s no telling how you could compromise the situation.”

  “I see that you’ve had a friendly conversation with one of LA’s finest. Could it have been an undercover detective by the name of Stan Garten by any chance?”

  “Stan is a good man and I’d appreciate it if you’d allow him to do his job!”

  “I’m not jeopardizing his position in any way,” denied Simon. “I just believe that two sets of eyes are better than one.”

  “Oh really, and what happens if it is Adam Gable following her and he spots you?”

  “Then he’ll realize I’m not in Toronto or wherever anymore.”

  “Alletti’s been looking for you for a long time and if Gable is following the girl you’ll have walked right into a trap.”

  “Strange, I thought it was the girl we’re concerned about.”

  “I can’t protect the two of you blast it!”

  “You don’t need to protect me,” said Simon. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long, long time,” and his fingers reached up and touched the butt of the Beretta underneath his leather jacket. “Besides, Julia’s brother asked me to look after her.”

  “What a bunch of nonsense,” hissed Angus across the line. “Anyone can see you have the hots for her.”

  Simon’s voice turned deadly. “That’s quite enough, so back off Angus! What I feel or don’t feel is my own business, but I have a responsibility to that woman and I’m going to meet it.”

  “Sometimes I get the distinct impression you don’t trust me,” said Angus wearily.

  “Boy you’ve got that one right; remember what happened to Seth?”

  “Okay, okay. So what’s your itinerary?”

  “I meet Julia for a drink in the lounge at 5:30. I’ll try to coerce her into having dinner with me and tomorrow we’ll head down to UCLA to watch some flamenco dancing. Her principal Connie Fernandez is going to be there, but of course, if Stan has been doing his job you already know all that.”

  “Wise guy,” snorted Angus.

  “Do you have any idea what sort of car Adam Gable prefers these days?”

  “He used to drive a Lexus but apparently no longer. The only thing about Adam we know for certain is that he prefers silver cars and changes them like girlfriends.”

  The image of the silver BMW flashed into Simon’s mind. “Could he be currently driving a BMW?”

  “Why?” asked Angus, suddenly interested.

  “I just thought a Beamer was trailing us a little too closely this afternoon. Maybe you can check on it. Any chance I’ll run into Stan tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow? If you’re a really lucky boy you’ll glimpse him tonight.” Angus couldn’t see Simon’s broad smile, but sensing it, sighed bitterly. Why did his family have to be so damn difficult?

  “Well, it’s comforting you’re doing something right for a change. I’ll stay in touch,” said Simon, and hung up before Angus could retort.

  At 5:30 sharp Simon waited in the lobby, eager to have a glass of white wine with the lovely Julia who had changed into a lovely black and white pants outfit with a matching striped jacket and a small little spaghetti tie looped around her neck and clasped together with an onyx pin.

  They seated themselves in the busy bar. “What would you like to drink?” Simon asked.

  “I think just tonic water,” she said to the hovering waiter.

  “Bring me a glass of white wine, something dry if you have it. So where would you like to go for dinner?” he asked.

  Julia’s cheeks flamed and she broke eye contact and concentrated on playing with her coaster. “I’m sorry Simon but I can’t have dinner with you tonight. Connie called about twenty minutes ago and indicated she and Alvaro, along with a bunch of teachers from my school, are going to meet at a steakhouse called Jimmy’s around 6:30. I, um… well…”

  “Don’t feel comfortable having me accompany you?”

  “I hope you understand,” she said contritely. “You see, while I’ve mentioned to Connie you’re in town and resemble your brother a great deal, I’ve never tol
d my other colleagues about Seth’s brother. I think they’d be quite shocked to see you.”

  Simon felt a tremendous wave of disappointment wash over him, but plastered an accepting smile upon his face. “That’s fine by me; you’re not to worry about it a single bit, but since your nosy brother is going to ask me to relate a detailed nightly account of your actions could you at least tell me where Jimmy’s Steakhouse is so I can let him know you haven’t been eaten by a giant ogre or something?”

  Julia flashed him a thankful smile. “It’s in West Hollywood on the corner of La Cienega. I do hope you understand. I truly meant to have dinner with you. Honest.” Her dark green eyes plead for his understanding and Simon reached over and patted her hand.

  “Don’t worry about it. It’ll give me a chance to do some of my touristy-type exploring. Who knows, maybe I’ll find a jumping nightclub. I wonder if they have one specializing in eighties and nineties rock ‘n’ roll. Anyway, let’s enjoy our drink and you can tell me all about your week.”

  They passed the next fifteen minutes comfortably, Julia immensely relieved Simon didn’t seem upset. At six o’clock, she swung her handbag over her shoulder, lifted a hand, and disappeared through the slowly filling bar. Simon gave her a full two minutes before sliding into the seat of his Pajero, waiting until she directed her sedan toward West Hollywood to follow her discreetly at a safe distance.

  Julia never knew Simon kept to the shadows that entire evening, lingering in the lounge of Jimmy’s Steakhouse, safety tucked out of sight while he devoured a rare porterhouse steak and watched her socialize with her gregarious principal whom he instinctively trusted on sight.

  Connie and Julia were joined by her rather portly boyfriend, Alvaro Lopez, as well as three other teachers, all whom Simon recognized from Angus’ records. Angus had downloaded the previous year’s yearbook and thoroughly checked out all of Julia’s school associates once it became apparent she might be in danger. The gay company lingered over their meal and while Julia didn’t eat much, only picking at her baked potato and sirloin steak, she seemed to enjoy the noisy crowd about her.