Live in Person

by Lynda Fitzgerald

  Silence. “Allison, are you drunk or on drugs or something?”

  Allie gripped the phone so hard her hand cramped. “No, but drunk sounds really good right now. Look, Mother, I’ve had the day from hell. First, Len barged in and interrupted… something… and Sheryl is missing in action and Marc wants to reconcile and then the sheriff shows up to tell me Sidney escaped—”

  Sharp indrawn breath. “Sidney Finch. That man who tried to kill you last year?”

  Was that concern in her mother’s voice? Allie felt herself soften just a bit. “The one and only.”

  “My God, Allison, he’s a dangerous man. That’s all the more reason you should let your brother stay with you. He could offer you some measure of protection.”

  So much for concern. And the thought of Len protecting her was ludicrous. He’d be more likely to offer her to Sidney on a silver salver. Allie went back to massaging her forehead. “I don’t have room for Len here, Mother. I work from home I have one bedroom and one office, and somehow, I can’t see Len sleeping on anyone’s couch.”

  “Well, if you’d move to a larger place…”

  Allie barely resisted the urge to hurl the phone across the room. “I’m not having this conversation again. Not now.” Not ever.

  “Well, I think it’s a sad day when you send your only brother to a hotel. Totally unreasonable of you. Not that I’m surprised.”

  Exhaustion washed over Allie. “If you want to talk to Len, why don’t you call him on his cell?”

  “I suppose I’ll have to, but—”

  “Someone’s at the door. I have to go.” She wasn’t surprised when the phone clicked loudly in her ear.

  No one was at the door, but Allie couldn’t bear another minute of listening to how unreasonable or selfish or cruel she was. Her family had always considered her lacking, but it wasn’t until they learned she was Lou’s only heir that the other epitaphs were added, maybe because until then, as with Lou, they merely scorned her. She was sick to death of them all.

  She pulled a diet soda out of the refrigerator and tucked Spook under her arm. Her hand hesitated on the doorknob as she remembered Sidney had escaped, but then, she realized she was acting foolish. This was the last place Sidney would come. Allie was certain Clay would have someone watching the house, or at least driving by occasionally.

  Besides, on the roof deck, she’d have the whole construction crew watching her. Now that high-rise condos were going up on either side of her tiny beach cottage, privacy was a thing of the past. Sad. Even sadder, she knew she couldn’t put off deciding about selling much longer. Once people lived in the buildings, her tiny stretch of beach would be littered with them, all their relatives, and their legion of friends. She knew she had to move. She tossed her head. She’d do it when she was damn well ready.

  She waved at the guys hanging off the steel girders as she put Spook on the lawn chair opposite hers. The roof deck wasn’t glamorous. A set of spiral wrought-iron stairs led up to a flat gravel-covered asphalt surface. Low rails. Two lounge chairs and a table. Allie, Joe, and Sheryl used to camp up here when they were kids. A makeshift blanket tent and three sleeping bags were all it took to transport them to the wilds of Africa or Alaska, surrounded by crocodiles or ravenous wolves. She smiled at the thought.

  “You kids were the highlight of my life. Well, one of the highlights.”

  Another was Sheriff Cord Arbutten. Cord and her aunt had loved one another for years. They hadn’t acted on it because Cord was married. Now, he was a widower, and her aunt was gone.

  “It’s all right, Allie. The quality of love can’t be measured by whether it is consummated. What we had was satisfying in its way.”

  “That’s not the kind of satisfaction I’m looking for these days.” She sat straight. Had she really said that to her aunt?

  “I’m not a prude, Allie. I know all about sex. I know you’re confused right now. And horny.”

  “I’m shocked!”

  Allie heard a tinkle of laughter, or maybe it was her wind chime downstairs.

  The breeze was rising as the day waned. Soon, it would be too chilly to stay up here. February in Central Florida, warm days and cool nights, ocean temperatures that remained above the air temperature thanks to an ever-cooperative Gulf Stream.

  She watched as pelicans glided above her on air currents she could only imagine. How did it feel to glide like that, weightless and unfettered? Had any human felt that way? Astronauts? Glider pilots? Didn’t they take their earthbound baggage into the sky with them? Did pelicans have baggage?

  She heard him before she saw him. So did Spook, who jumped from the chair next to her and huddled under hers. She didn’t bother to open her eyes. His step was distinctive. As much as she hated the thought of confrontation, it was inevitable.

  “Allie?”

  She looked up. Against the setting sun, Marc again resembled a god from ancient Olympus. Apollo, perhaps, except Marc had broader shoulders. His sheer physical beauty took her breath away, but so had her ex-husband Garrison’s at the time. Was she so shallow that a pretty face could sway her?

  “You left without a word. I was worried about you.”

  She looked up, shielding her eyes. “I needed some time alone. Today has been a bit much.”

  “You mean Sidney.” He sat on the lounge chair Spook had vacated. “That worries me, Allie. Sidney’s a police officer. Despite what the sheriff says, I think you may be in danger.”

  Allie agreed. She didn’t really believe Sidney was headed in another direction. He wasn’t the type to skulk away and hide. Sidney would want to extract retribution and wouldn’t stop until he did.

  “Why don’t you come back to Miami with me? You’re not working on anything right now, are you?”

  She’d expected that. “I’ve just started a series about the people whose way of life is being destr­oyed by all this progress,” she said, waving at the new construction around her. “I’m calling it ‘Paradise Lost.’”

  “That’ll keep, won’t it? At least until they catch him? It’s not as if the construction is going to stop anytime soon.”

  “No, the construction isn’t going anywhere. That’s why I’m writing the piece.”

  “Then, come back to Miami with me. Just until they catch this guy.”

  Allie shook her head at the predictability of his words, but Marc misunderstood.

  “OK, then I’ll stay here.”

  “Marc—”

  “I’ll sleep on the couch if you want. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

  Allie swung her feet to the floor and sat up. “No, it wouldn’t, but if you sleep here again, it won’t be on the couch.”

  Again, he misunderstood and smiled. “Well?”

  She said nothing, and Marc’s smile faded. “So, that’s it? Go home, Marc, and let me put myself in danger again.”

  Allie jumped to her feet and stood over him, her fists clenched at her sides. “Do you hear yourself, Marc? Is it my fault again?”

  “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  Allie paced to the front of the deck and stood staring down until she got control of herself. Then, she came back. “But you did,” she said, her voice lower. “And that’s what it will always come to, won’t it? If I don’t live my life the way you think is right, and something happens to me, then it’s my fault.”

  She sat back on the lawn chair and took his hands in hers. “Do you remember your ex-wife? You called her your little butterfly?”

  Marc hung his head and didn’t answer.

  “You married Karen because she needed you. You need to be needed, Marc. It’s as much a part of your makeup as being self-sufficient is mine. I don’t need to need someone. I don’t even want to need someone. When I have another relationship, it will be an equal partnership—or nothing.”

  Allie released his hands, and they dropped limply between his knees. He was silent for several moments. When he looked up at her, his eyes glistened with moisture. “I’m sorry, Allie,
but I can’t take that as a final no. I love you. I mean that. I told you once that I’m a very patient man. I’m also a determined man. I can’t tie you to me, but I won’t give up on us.”

  He reached over and brushed her hair back from her face. “Please think of what we had between us. It was too good to toss away without even trying.”

  Allie was near tears herself. She tried to speak, but he held a finger to her lips. “Please. Don’t say anything now. Think about it. I won’t push you anymore. I’ll go back to Miami. All I ask is that you be careful. Sidney Finch is a lunatic. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  Allie watched him descend the stairs. After a few minutes, she stood and walked to the edge of the deck where she could see the street. Marc’s car was gone. Her shoulders sagged. Wasn’t that what she wanted? Why could nothing in life be simple?

  She came back and stretched in the recliner. The construction noise had stopped for the day. The air held a definite chill. She heard the waves crashing on the sand, rhythmically, endlessly. The one thing in life you could count on—the sea and its tides. Waves had rolled ashore pretty much since the beginning of time; they’d still be doing it long after everyone was gone. The thought was oddly comforting.

  She pulled Spook up on her chest and buried her face in his fur. “Oh, little pup, what a rotten day this has been. Just be glad you’re neutered.”

  ■ ■ ■

  Sidney knew he was crazy to be here. Word had to be out by now about his escape, and the sheriff would have ordered drive-bys at least, but he couldn’t resist.

  He’d expected only to get a lay of the land, a visual picture to use in his planning stages, but then, she’d walked to the edge of the deck and looked down. Not at him. He couldn’t tell what she was looking at. She only stood there a moment, but if he’d wanted to, he could have shot her without breaking a sweat. God, it was tempting.

  Enough. He had what he needed. That deck might be useful. Construction on either side, which made visits difficult during daylight hours but good at night. Good visuals from above once construction stopped each day. Easy access from the beach or the construction sites. Probably lots of vehicles coming and going as future tenants checked out the area. Piece of cake.

  Next, a quick visit to his folks’ house to pick up some money and clothes. They always did dinner and a movie on Tuesday night. Home late. God, they were so fucking predictable. Then, on to a shopping trip at the airport long-term lot.

  He started the car and eased off from the curb. This was going to be fun.

  Eight

  Cord pulled the cruiser into the Finch drive way just as the couple was backing out of the garage. He tapped his horn, and they stopped.

  Wally Finch rolled down his window as Cord approached. “Evening, Cord.”

  “Wally. Teresa.” He nodded at Sidney’s mother. “I’d like to talk to you both for a minute, if you can spare it.”

  Teresa Finch’s lips thinned. It had been like that since Cord put Sidney behind bars, not that the three had ever been close.

  “We’re just leaving for dinner,” she said with no pretense of cordiality. “Can’t it wait?”

  “Sorry, Teresa, but this is important. It’ll only take a minute of your time.”

  “I don’t see what could be so all fired important,” she said. “You’ve already locked our son up in jail.”

  Cord watched Wally squirm in his car seat and wondered again how he could tolerate the woman.

  “This is about Sidney.”

  She appeared to pale. “What about Sidney?”

  Had the boy been here already? No. That was fear on her face, not guilt. “Can we talk in the house?”

  Wally opened his car door and stepped out, but Teresa beat him inside. She led Cord no farther than the kitchen and didn’t offer him a seat.

  “What is it?” she demanded.

  “I got word this afternoon that Sidney overpowered his transport guards and escaped.”

  Teresa gasped, and Wally reached out to steady her. “Was anyone hurt?”

  Cord nodded. “Both guards were injured, but neither of them critically.”

  “Thank God,” Wally breathed.

  “I suspect Sidney’s headed the other way. I can’t see him staying around here, but I wanted to alert you in case he decides to show up. It would be best for Sidney if you let me know if that happens.” He spoke more to Teresa than her husband. “He’s already in a lot of trouble, and now, there will be new charges against him, but it could be worse. It will be worse, if we don’t catch him soon.”

  Teresa averted her eyes.

  “I mean it, Teresa. If Sidney remains in the area, it can mean only one thing—that he’s bent on revenge. He hasn’t killed anyone yet, but if he does, don’t forget that Florida has the death penalty.” Tears sprang to the woman’s eyes, and he moderated his tone. “That’s why it’s important we get him back behind bars before he does something really stupid.”

  Teresa pulled away from her husband. “You can say that after you ruined my baby’s life? How dare you!”

  Cord knew Sidney ruined his own life, had been hell-bent on ruining it since he was a boy, but he wasn’t about to try to reason that with Teresa Finch. She had a blind spot where Sidney was concerned. Always had. According to her, Sidney could do no wrong. There’d never been any reasoning with her.

  He looked at Wally. “For Sidney’s sake, let me know if he shows up. He’s injured three police officers now as well as several civilians. He’s in enough trouble as it is. Don’t let’s compound that.”

  Wally nodded. He stood staring at his wife, his brow creased with worry, as Cord let himself out.

  ■ ■ ■

  Sidney slid down in his seat as Cord Arbutten climbed into the cruiser. So, he’d already alerted them. That meant he’d probably alerted Allie too. So what? They’d never catch him.

  What the hell were they doing home, anyway? They should be stuffing their faces at one of their favorite restaurants. How the hell was he going to get in the house if they were there? He kept his eyes on the house, hoping they’d head out now that the sheriff was gone, but no such luck. He looked at the clock on the car’s dash. Seven-forty.

  OK, change of plans. He’d hit the airport and then return here. He’d hoped to have his new threads before then, but no sweat. No one would look for him at the airport. They knew he didn’t have money for plane fare. If everything went smoothly, he could be back about nine or ten o’clock. Perfect. His father would be sound asleep in his recliner by nine, and his mother would be sitting beside him, knitting or some other dumbass thing while she watched whatever soppy movie was on Lifetime.

  He rubbed his forehead. Goddamn headaches. They had started after that Levine bitch rammed him with the cruiser, and they were getting worse. He’d take something for pain—he had a pocket full of pills—but he needed to be in control of all his faculties.

  He pulled the car out and headed west.

  ■ ■ ■

  Allie peeked out her front window. God, she hated this paranoia, except if Sidney was out there, it wasn’t paranoia, was it?

  Thank God. Sheryl’s car was finally home. She snapped on Spook’s leash and gave him his evening out on the way to Sheryl’s house. Not much of a walk, but all he was going to get after dark until they caught Sidney. Allie knew he was around somewhere. She could feel it, just like she could feel it when they were kids and Sidney sneaked around. It made her skin crawl then, and it still did. She knew he was capable of murder. He had already tried to kill her twice. The phrase “three times a charm” sprang to mind, and she shoved it back into those deep recesses she rarely visited.

  Libby answered the door, still using her walker. “Allie. How nice. Come on in. Have you had dinner? I cooked a pot roast, but Sheryl wasn’t hungry so there’s plenty left.”

  Had she eaten dinner? No. She didn’t even have lunch. “I’m fine, Libby. I just came to see Sheryl for a minute.” She looked around the room. No
Sheryl. “I saw her car. Is she home?”

  Libby bit her lip. “She’s lying down. She was real tired when she got home.”

  “Can I stick my head in? I won’t wake her if she’s asleep. I just want to say hello.” And find out where the hell she’s been for the last three weeks.

  Libby stepped back, dragging her walker with her. “I suppose it’ll be all right.”

  No light came from beneath the door. Allie almost turned around and left, but Libby seemed even more worried than before. She had to make sure Sheryl was all right.

  She tapped lightly on the door.

  “Huh?”

  Allie opened the door and stepped inside.

  The room was dark. Sheryl was stretched on the bed fully clothed. Her gun was on the bed beside her. Even in the dim light from the hall, she looked pale and haggard. “Oh, Allie. I thought you were Libby.”

  “May I come in?”

  Sheryl raised her head before dropping it back on the pillow. “You’re already in.”

  Allie smiled. That sounded more like her literal friend. “So, how are you doing? I haven’t seen you for a while.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been pretty busy.” She rolled over to face Allie. “So, how’s it going?”

  “OK. Uh—may I turn on the light?”

  Sheryl reached over and switched on the bedside lamp. The bulb must have been a whole forty watts, but it was enough to show that Sheryl looked like hell. Her usually lustrous chestnut hair was dull and matted, and her skin had a sallow hue.

  “You look terrible. What’s the matter with you?”

  “Thanks, Allie. I can always count on you to cheer me up.” She pushed herself to a sitting position and reached over to pet Spook. “Hey, little pup. Your mama taking care of you?” Spook licked her hand, and she turned to Allie. “I think I picked up a bug or something. I feel like shit.”

  “Libby said you didn’t eat any dinner.”

  “What are you now—my second mother? If anyone needs to eat, it’s you, beanpole.” She poked Allie in the leg.

  Allie wasn’t fooled. She perched on the bed beside Sheryl. “Is there anything I can do? Anything I can get you?”