by Nesly Clerge
Jenny chewed her bottom lip as she thought. “She used to meet Ozy at his house, whenever his wife was out of town with the kids.”
Starks arched his eyebrows. “I bet Margaret doesn’t know that. She’s the kind of woman who would’ve dragged the bed outside and burned it.”
“It wasn’t just the bed,” Jenny said. “The sofa, dining table, Jacuzzi, against the walls, the patio table—”
Richard shook his head. “Disgusting. What kind of man fouls the sanctity of his home, where his wife and children sleep? I agree with you, Starks. Margaret got an earful during the trial—the poor woman was shocked and humiliated over and over. But if she’d heard that, forget the bed. I think she would have burned the house down.” He eased forward. “I have wondered if she ever told the wives of Ozy’s co-workers how they all screwed Kayla?”
Jenny’s face turned florid. “It wasn’t just Kayla. Kayla said there were other women in the firm who were involved.”
“Don’t you dare defend her.” Richard raised his fist to slam against the tabletop.
Starks stopped him. “Easy, Richard.”
“I just can’t believe all these married women were doing this to their husbands.”
“What about the married men?” Jenny said.
Richard glared at her then shrugged. “Men will always be men. Women are supposed to tend to their men. That includes behaving as they should. With propriety. And gratitude.”
“Are you one of those men?” Jenny asked. She stared at her husband and waited for an answer. When one didn’t readily come, she said, “Practically every day of my life, you go on and on about what happened and didn’t. And all the time you may be doing the same or… or… even worse.” She focused on Starks. “The same goes for you.” She waved a hand in the air. “It’s the end of the world when a woman does it, but a man gets approval when he does the same thing. And, he expects it.”
Richard said, “It’s not the same. Never has been. Never will be.”
“Excuse me, husband, but it is exactly the same thing. Worse. Because men think it’s their right to screw around. They’re considered gods in the fraternity of men when they do. But they’re just as much sluts as women are, if you insist on labeling women that way.”
“Now just a damn minute, Jenny.”
Starks ran a hand back and forth over his head. “I started this. It’s not what I intended.”
“No,” Jenny said. “You didn’t start this. Richard did.”
Richard sat erect. “I said just a damn minute.”
“I’ll give you ‘just a minute’. You talk about everything Starks bought for Kayla. Money doesn’t buy love and loyalty; love and loyalty given earn the same back. Or should. Some men make promises to love and cherish their wives then break those promises. And they wonder why they lose their wife’s affections.”
Richard jabbed a finger against the table. “I don’t know where this is coming from, Jenny, but you’d better settle down. Right now.”
“Richard… just shut up.” Jenny slouched back and folded her arms across her chest.
“Did you just tell me to shut up? What do you want, equality? Fine. Next time there’s a noise at night you get up and see what or who it is. You shovel the snow off the long driveway. And while we’re at it, why don’t you get a job and work like a dog to pay the mortgage and all the other bills. See how you like that instead of staying home and being taken care of.”
“When you’re away on business, I am the one who gets up to check a noise. You use a snow blower, and you refuse to let me work because, quote, ‘a wife’s home and family are her job’. What you don’t understand about relationships, Richard, is more than I can explain to you. That is, if you’d even bother to try to understand.”
Starks was stunned. Jenny had always been so timid, so accommodating to whatever Richard wanted. It was the very comparison he’d pointed out to Kayla repeatedly. He’d never heard Jenny speak like this to anyone, especially not her husband. “Listen, you two, again, I’m sorry for stirring anything up. You don’t know how sorry.”
Jenny harrumphed and looked away. “Maybe you stirred it, but it was already stewing in the pot.”
“I feel responsible,” Starks said. “If it wasn’t for Kayla, and me, this discord between you wouldn’t be happening.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Jenny replied.
Starks heard her mumbling to herself. The only word he heard clearly was “doormat.”
The three were silent for several moments then Jenny spoke. “Kayla did say there were some things she did that she’ll never tell; that they’ll go to the grave with her.”
Starks believed he knew one of them, but he was surprised to hear there was more than one item on that list.
Richard turned his gaze from his wife to Starks. “At least you’re clearing Kayla out of your life. Good riddance, I say. Emma’s much better for you.”
“It’s not always that simple,” Jenny said. “Kayla probably still cares about Starks and Starks probably still cares about her. Do you, Starks?”
Richard stared at his wife. “I don’t know who you are anymore. She didn’t care about him before. She sure as hell doesn’t care about him now. You almost sound like you think they should get back together. After all the shit she’s done to him.”
“And he’s done to her, Richard. But they built a life together. They had children together. As for Emma, she comes across nice enough. But there’s something about her I don’t like. I can’t name it; I just know it. Sorry if that offends you, Starks.”
Richard shook his head. “Emma’s quality and from a good family. She makes her own money, enough to support herself and her child.”
“Kayla worked,” Jenny said.
Richard sighed. “Again, you sound like you’re defending her. Sure, she worked. She went to the office five days a week and worked her mouth and her twat. Emma’s not like that. Plus, she’s smart enough to know a good thing, which she has with Starks. And I’m not talking about just the money.”
Starks said, “That’s how I feel about Emma.”
Richard nodded at Starks. “Just don’t make the same mistakes with her. Emma’s a diamond that could use some polishing, but she has a good heart. Speaking of Emma, has she been here to see you?”
“She’s visited a few times.” Starks glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ve got to get going. Jenny, is there anything else you can think of?”
“Not at the moment.”
“If you do, tell Jeffrey. He can tell me during his next visit. Easier for him to come here than I’m sure it is for you guys.”
Starks’s chair scraped against the floor when he stood. “Thanks for coming all this way to see me. I really appreciate it. And I hope you guys can get back on track. You’re a good, solid couple. A family. You don’t know what it’s like to lose that. And to know you’ll never get it back.”
A few more awkward words people tended to say at the end of a visit were exchanged. Starks turned to wave at them before leaving the room.
Jenny hadn’t had as much new information as he’d hoped, but what she said about Ozy and Kayla using Margaret’s house for some of their liaisons might be enough. Depending on what it was that Margaret actually wanted with him, and he’d only know that when she told him.
One thing was clear: His friends’ marriage wasn’t as stable as it used to be. Or as it had appeared to be. That was the fault of Kayla and her destructive power over others. There wasn’t much he could do about that.
All he could do was wonder what Margaret Hessinger wanted to see him about. When, or if, she did come to see him, he’d have to keep his temper under control.
How was he going to sit across from the woman who could have saved him from prison, and not lose it?
There was a possibility he’d find out.
CHAPTER 72
SAM CARSON HAD been surprised when Starks asked to take over a shift on a weekend, stating he wanted quiet time to think. Carson
’s reply was that he could only imagine what Starks was conspiring about now. The library was all but empty for a Saturday afternoon. Paco sat at his preferred computer. Starks was in the office, cataloging the latest shipment of magazines.
He looked up when he heard Paco say louder than necessary, “Buenas tardes.” He had to give it to the old man for acting like a dog that barks when people approach the front door.
CO Roberts saw Starks watching through the window, nodded at him, and started toward the office. He was followed by a guard Starks recognized and wasn’t happy to see.
“Officer Roberts, how can I assist you?”
Roberts waited until they were fully inside the office then closed the door. “Starks, this is the CO I told you about.” Roberts gestured to the other guard and said, “Red Brunson, this is Starks.”
Brunson chortled and said, “You might say we’re familiar.” He plunked into the extra chair.
Starks took a seat behind the desk. “Your buddy’s being funny, Roberts. Although we weren’t introduced, the CO’s finger certainly got to know me in a more intimate fashion than I might have liked.”
Brunson replied, “Believe me. You guys get the better end of the deal. Pun intended. According to Roberts, you’re a kind of environmentalist here at Sands.”
“I don’t follow.”
“You’re into spreading the green.”
Starks barely smiled. “You could say that. Roberts says you’re the top guy.”
“Inmates think gang leaders get away with shit, but they don’t do anything unless they do it through me, especially form gangs. I have the pull in this place. With guards and officials, those on the take, that is. I know who’s who better than anyone here. Don’t think I’m not onto you forming your own gang. I was waiting to see how it went before I let you know how things really work in here.”
“Sounds like you’re a man to have on my team.”
“I’m not on anyone’s team but mine. I’ll let you in on one of my secrets. The only Sands guards not on the take in some way are the ones new on the job. You got any idea how many new guards are here?”
“How many?” Starks said.
“None.” Brunson laughed.
Starks strained to keep his feelings from showing. “I know some of them were involved in the murder of Skullars Bailey. Indirectly, I’m sure. Only way his attack could’ve happened was for one or more guards to look the other way.”
“What can I say? Shit happens in this place.”
Starks fought hard to control his anger. “Kind of like, ‘If you can’t beat them…”
“Something like that. Roberts, here, says you pay well. That’s good to hear, because you’re going to need to. I got three COs I work closely with. They get paid or no deal.”
Starks rested back in his chair and studied the man. “I respect that you look after your guys. Here’s my offer regarding cell phones and protection. You and—”
“Unless your offer is what you give Roberts or better,” he poked Roberts in the arm, “keep it.”
Starks focused on Roberts, who said, “I had to tell him or there was no deal.”
“You okay with that arrangement?” Starks asked.
“Absolutely. With Brunson in on it, you not only ramp up your protection, you can start or expand any enterprise and have a better chance of it going well.”
Brunson cracked his knuckles. “That’s right. You do well, we do well.” He extended his arms. “Everybody’s happy.”
Starks said, “I don’t know about happy. But, profit is always a good thing.”
The CO rested his hands on the desk and leaned in until his face was no more than a foot from Starks’s. “So’s control. I believe we’re fishing in the same pond about that.”
Starks nodded. “We have a deal. I’ll get everything set up so payments start no later than a week from today. Same arrangement, though: Roberts is the go-between.”
“I trust him. Just make sure I can trust you.”
Roberts stepped forward. “I told you he’s okay, Red.”
Brunson stood and stretched. “I’m mostly up in front, but my three guys walk the beat inside and in the yard. They’ll talk to you sooner or later. Just know other eyes will be watching. My guys will keep their distance, unless they have to interfere. Try not to give them a reason to interfere, and definitely not one that brings the council in on anything. You follow me?”
“I’m right with you.” Starks rose and extended his hand. “So we’re good?”
Brunson took Starks’s hand and squeezed harder than necessary. “As long as you handle your end the right way, we are.” He let go and hooked his thumbs on his belt.
Starks glanced toward the window, saw Paco watching, saw Paco shake his head and turn back to his computer. “I have two immediate requests, Brunson.”
“You don’t waste time, do you?”
“Not when it’s important. I want you to transfer Kane Sandler to my cell. My current cellmate is Ronald Jackson. I’ve discussed this with both men and they’ve agreed. I’d like Jackson to stay on my block, though. And I’d like this to happen sooner than later.”
Brunson scowled. “Didn’t take you for a backdoor type.”
“It’s nothing like that. Kane’s no more than a kid. A scared kid. If he’s with me, maybe he’ll do better.”
“If you want to play nanny,” Brunson shrugged, “who am I to stop you? I’ll take care of it.”
“And, I need burner phones as fast as you can get them to me. Let’s start with twelve.”
“You got cash to pay for ’em?”
“Take care of it. I’ll add it to your first payment.”
“It’ll take a few days for the phones. Can’t walk into a place and buy that many without looking suspicious.”
“Smart guy like you will figure it out. I need all twelve by Monday.”
“Consider it done. But a word of advice: ditch the attitude.”
The COs left. Starks waited a few seconds then walked up to Paco.
The old man turned in the chair to face Starks. “What you into, amigo?”
Starks replied, “Self-preservation.”
Paco nodded. “It takes what it takes.”
“Will you play monitor again? Just for about fifteen or so minutes.”
Paco waved a hand. “Sure, sure. Go do whatever. I’ll be here when you get back. Unless el buen Señor takes me.”
Starks hurried to his cell as fast as wouldn’t draw attention. Brunson had said nothing happened that he didn’t know about. Was that one hundred percent true? Probably eighty to ninety percent was more like it. He’d have to feel his way through that potential landmine. Nothing and no one would be allowed to intrude on his goal to eventually occupy the position at the top. And he had no intention of sharing that place.
What he was paying out was adding up fast. Jeffrey might not say anything about these expenses continuing to escalate, but he’d have thoughts about it. Starks also knew that whether or not Jeffrey spoke up, he’d take care of it.
He got the cell phone and dialed his friend’s number.
And wondered if he’d just dug a deeper hole.
He shook off the feeling by reminding himself that when a hole is dug, there’s a mountain of dirt on the side.
It was up to him to climb it.
CHAPTER 73
FIVE AFTER FOUR that afternoon, Starks exited the library. When he was two yards from his cell, he heard noises coming from inside, as though the space was being tossed. He slowed his steps, positioned himself against the wall, and edged forward. At the entrance he peeked around and let out the breath he’d been holding. “What are you doing?”
Jackson frowned and shoved a towel into a half full plastic bag. “What do you think? You might have told me.”
“I didn’t realize the move would happen this fast. I made the request only a little over three hours ago. I intended to tell you the next time I saw you that it was being arranged.”
�
��Someone saved you the trouble.”
“You’re pissed.”
“I’m inconvenienced.”
“Where’d they transfer you?”
Jackson pointed to the cell to the left of theirs. “Next door.”
“Even better than I’d hoped.” Starks turned his chair around, sat, and rested his forearms on the back.
Jackson sniffed a pair of socks, shrugged, and tossed them into the bag. “The guy they moved wasn’t as glad, until he heard it was at your request. Happy to do it.” He shook his head. “All I have to say is—” Jackson’s attention shifted to the entrance. “Your new cellmate’s here.”
Kane held a plastic bag with all his possessions in it, blushing as he shifted from one foot to the other.
Jackson moved his chair to the opposite wall and pointed at it. “C’mon in, Kane. I’m almost done here.”
Kane dropped his bag next to the chair and lowered himself into it. “Sorry to be a bother, Mr. Jackson. I hope you don’t mind, you know, moving and all.”
“You hear that, Starks? Called me mister. Kid, you just earned a few points. But drop the mister or you’ll make me feel old.” He tucked his bag under one arm and scooped up his blanket and pillow with the other. “That’s that, then. Time to make the long trek to my new home.”
Kane hopped up. “I can help you carry some of that, especially if you have to go a ways.”
Starks said, “Jackson’s kidding. He’s going into the next cell.”
Kane laughed, but it sounded forced.
Jackson reached the cell door and said, “I hope you two will be very happy together.”
Starks threw an ink pen at Jackson and missed him deliberately.
“Top bunk’s yours, Kane. Go ahead and get settled in.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I told you before, it’s just Starks. I’m not your father or your commanding officer.”
Kane’s face burned red; he aimed his eyes at his feet. “Yes, sir. Starks.”
It was easy to see that Kane was anxious and eager to please. Starks opened a book and pretended to read. Best not to cause the kid to feel watched. Maybe the act of unpacking would help him settle down.
