Hollywood Moon (2009)

by Wambaugh, Joseph - Hollywood Station 03

  Dewey flashed a weak, ironic grin, took a sip of beer, and said, To tell you the truth, Jerzy, I think she'd go ahead and leave everything behind and be on the first flight out of L. A. I think that within six months she'd have another Bernie Graham working his ass off for her, and she wouldn't think twice about the husband she left in the hands of kidnappers. In fact, I think she might see right through your plan and figure that I was in on it. She's very cunning and clever.

  Tristan, who'd been listening quietly and thinking, said, There's not much use in goin' home and sleepin' on it. There's only one answer here.

  What's that, mastermind? Jerzy said.

  We gotta kidnap her, not Bernie, and we gotta make it look good. We gotta put more fear in her than we put in Bernie today. And Bernie's gotta play his part and have very serious phone talks with her, where she's so scared she begs him to pay the ransom of, say, a hundred grand.

  Jerzy snapped open another beer, guzzled most of it, pointed to Bernie, and said, He says there's only eighty in the account.

  Dawg, Tristan said patiently, if we ask for eighty, she'll know for sure Bernie's in on the game.

  Now it was Dewey who appeared to be deep in thought, and he surprised Tristan when he said, Don't ask for a hundred. Make it five hundred thousand. That's a nice round number. Why not be extravagant?

  Tristan paused just for an instant and said, Why ask her for an amount that's gonna make her think it's all hopeless, Bernie?

  It gives us a chance to pile on the bullshit during negotiations, Dewey said much too quickly. You know, back and forth. The price gets whittled down, because that's what kidnappers do when they have to. She has to finally be convinced that you thugs are gonna settle for the eighty grand because you're satisfied there's no more in the bank.

  All this makes me not wanna pop the question to my bitch if this is what marriage does to people, Jerzy said with a bemused smile. Anyways, she don't do drugs, so a mixed marriage wouldn't work.

  Tristan stood up and said, And what if your wife don't wanna cooperate, Bernie? Then what?

  Dewey finished the beer, groaned in pain, licked the foam from his lips, and said, She will have to be made to believe you're for real.

  Bernie, Tristan said, let's hope she believes our bluff. Far as I'm concerned, the game's over if she figures out it's you that's behind this thing. Or if she decides to die for her money rather than let you get your hands on it, I'm tellin' you right now, I'm outta there. I ain't gonna torture no woman. I'll walk away from this whole gag.

  How do you feel about it? Dewey asked Jerzy.

  That's a lotta money to walk away from, Jerzy said. I think we gotta convince her to talk. If you got her back with some minor damage, it'd be okay with you, huh?

  I won't be getting her back, Dewey said. If she doesn't give up the information, it's probably because she figures I'm in on it. She'll dump me, so I'll be gone either way with whatever I can get for the stuff in the storage room. Which of course I'll share with you fifty-fifty.

  You got a lot ridin' on this game, don't you, Bernie? Tristan said.

  You forced the issue, Dewey said. I have no choice. If it all goes sideways, the only good thing is, she can't go to the cops about us without going to jail herself when the whole gag is busted wide open. Anyway, I'm willing to try it if you are.

  You're a cold-blooded little motherfucker, Jerzy said. I'm startin' to like you a lot. So how're we gonna go about kidnappin' your old lady?

  That's gonna be easier than you think because you're gonna kidnap both of us, Dewey said.

  What? Tristan said. Both of you?

  It's the only way it can work, Dewey said. I have to be there as another kidnap victim to make her believe it. And I have to help persuade her to talk.

  And you think you can do that? Tristan said.

  Yes, Dewey said, because I'm a real actor, even if that bitch never gives me credit for it. When I perform, I can convince anybody of anything. Creole, I'll call you tomorrow afternoon with a foolproof plan.

  Somethin' bothers me about this, Tristan said. If she gives up what you need to find her secret account, you ain't gonna be able to slide on into her bank and pull out the cash. You'll transfer the money to one of your runner accounts, am I right?

  Yes, Dewey said, surprised.

  Well, if I remember right from when I helped do the books at the dance studio where I used to work, there's a ten-day waitin' period at the banks for big transfers to clear. Am I right?

  Dewey hadn't counted on Creole having a whole lot more between his ears than Jerzy, but now he could see how he'd completely misjudged his runner. If they suspected that Dewey was after Eunice's hidden treasure chest of cash, this whole gag could explode in his face.

  Dewey wore his mask of sincerity when he said, The bank where I'll transfer the funds to is a small independent bank that I've done lots of questionable business with. I know the manager exceedingly well. There won't be a ten-day wait. In fact, it'll take two days at most and we'll have our money.

  Dewey figured that two days would be enough time for him to tie up loose ends and get the hell out of L. A. with Eunice's retirement fund. He looked into Creole's amber eyes for any hint of disbelief but saw none.

  Dewey watched him nod to Jerzy and say, Can we hold her for two days, wood?

  That's a long time to keep her, Jerzy said.

  That's a lot of money, Dewey countered, touching his ribs and grimacing.

  Okay, Tristan said, but remember, if you decide to get outta Hollywood tonight, one of us will be campin' out right near your crib.

  I understand, Dewey said. Now you can go ahead and leave. I'm expecting the runner any minute. You're welcome to sit out on Franklin Avenue tonight and watch my front door if you want, but I guarantee I'm going nowhere but to bed. If I can make it there. You boys have actually brought things to a head. I should thank you, and I will when it's over. For now, take two hundred from my wallet and have a nice meal on me.

  From what I saw of your woman, she's older than you, ain'tf_"isn't she? Tristan said.

  Yes, Dewey said. Several years older.

  Tristan grinned and said, I saw a story on Access Hollywood that claims older women with younger guys makes for married bliss in this town, Bernie.

  Dewey showed a crooked grin, adjusted his stick-on mustache, and said, It's true that we've got an age spread like some famous Hollywood couples. But Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher we are not.

  Chapter FIFTEEN

  WHEN TRISTAN AND JERZY WERE BACK in the Chevy, heading to Pablo's Tacos for Jerzy to buy a taste of crystal meth, Tristan said, Dawg, that half a million ransom we're gonna ask for means more than Bernie says it means.

  So what's it mean? Jerzy asked.

  It means there's a whole lotta money that the woman is in control of, and he don't even know how much there is. He's fishin' to find out from her. He figures to game her for as much as half a million and only give us a measly forty grand. And another thing, I don't believe his bullshit about a deal with some banker so he don't have to wait ten days to draw out transferred funds. I think her money's in cash someplace. She ain't no different from dope dealers or anybody else on the game. She don't want money where the state or the feds or the IRS can grab it if she gets busted. What we gotta do is figure out how to take the real money away from him after he gets his hands on it.

  Jerzy thought it over for a long while and said, Damn, Creole, your daddy musta been a white man.

  Malcolm found the door partially open when he arrived. Still, he knocked on it and said, Mr. Graham, you there?

  Dewey said, Come in, Clark.

  Malcolm found Dewey still sitting in the chair where Tristan and Jerzy had left him. He was sweating and pale.

  Are you okay, Mr. Graham? Malcolm asked.

  I had an accident, Dewey said. I fell. I think a rib is broken. Maybe more than one.

  Malcolm said, Do you want me to call an ambulance?

  No, I think I'll be okay by t
omorrow. But could you help me get up?

  Sure, Malcolm said, taking Dewey around the torso and lifting.

  Dewey cried out in pain, and Malcolm said, I better put you back down.

  No! Dewey said. Just help me walk out to my car. And please carry my bag for me.

  Malcolm picked up the overnight bag and said, You can't drive a car, Mr. Graham. You better let me call you an ambulance.

  Just help me, please, Dewey said, putting his right arm around the young man's neck, his left arm pressed close to his damaged ribs.

  They weren't halfway down the walkway before Dewey said, You're right. I can't drive a car. I'll give you fifty dollars to take me home in my car. I live on Franklin west of Cahuenga. I'll have my secretary drive you back to get your car.

  Mr. Graham, Malcolm said before he helped Dewey into the passenger seat of the Honda, you got a couple little bugs jumping all over your head. Can't you feel them?

  Oh, Christ! Dewey whined. I'm in too much pain to worry about fleas.

  When they got to Dewey's security gate, he pointed to his remote and Malcolm pressed it and drove down below the apartment building into the parking garage.

  Put it in my space, number twelve, Dewey said.

  Climbing the stairs, one at a time, brought steady moans from Dewey punctuated by sharp cries when Malcolm moved too fast. After they struggled to the landing, Dewey was wishing he'd let the kid take him to the hospital. What if a rib punctured a lung or something? He wanted to plot some sort of revenge for what the slob did to him, but for now he only wanted to lie down in bed and remain immobile.

  Ring the bell, Clark, Dewey said.

  Malcolm pushed the button, and they waited. Dewey figured that Eunice was peering out through the peephole, so he said, Come on, open the goddamn door. I'm hurt.

  The door cracked opened a bit, and Eunice peeked out, cigarette dangling, and said, What the hell's going on?

  Open the door wide, for chrissake! Dewey said. I can't walk without help.

  Eunice opened the door, stepping back, and she said to Malcolm, I'll take over. Wait outside.

  When Malcolm released his hold, Dewey's knees buckled and he said, Don't let go of me, Clark! Take me to my bedroom. Hurry up.

  He can't come in here! Eunice said.

  Just shut up and get outta the way, Dewey said. Come on, kid, walk me straight ahead to the hallway, and we'll make a turn to the right.

  Malcolm looked in astonishment at the computer screens that were lit and full of names and numbers. Then he walked slowly to the hallway, holding Dewey upright.

  The second room, Clark, Dewey said. Just take me in there, and we'll try to get my ass on the bed without ripping my guts out.

  Malcolm helped Dewey across the small bedroom to a double bed and helped him sit. Easy, now, Dewey said. Don't move fast. Just scoot me slow and easy, and let me lie down on my side. Then try to lift my legs up onto the bed without killing me.

  The young man followed directions, with Dewey groaning incessantly. When his legs were elevated onto the bed, Dewey said, Now just flip me from my side onto my back. Gently. Very gently.

  When he was finally supine, Dewey said, Okay, that's better. Now step outside into the computer room and ask myf_U secretary to come in.

  A moment later, Eunice entered and closed the door, saying, Well, now you really did it, Dewey. That boy just had a good look at our operation. Whadda we have to do to keep his mouth shut? Adopt him?

  The kid doesn't know anything, Eunice, Dewey said, staring upward. He just wants to make a buck.

  The hell he doesn't know anything, she said. He's a new runner, isn't he? What's he supposed to think about the computers and the files? And oh, yeah, I have credit cards scattered all over the table, most of which are almost useless thanks to the poor quality of material you're paying for these days. You just completely breached our security that I worked so hard to set up.

  He's a know-nothing kid, Dewey said. Kee-rist, Eunice!

  He only knows you as Bernie Graham, right?

  Yeah, Dewey muttered. And you're my secretary, Ethel, okay?

  You really did it now, Dewey, she said, shaking her head.

  Okay, Eunice, Dewey said. Go out there and kill him. Asphyxiate him with cigarette smoke. But then you can dispose of his body all by yourself because If_U amf_U fuckingf_U hurt! Not that you give a shit!

  So, what really happened to you, Dewey?

  I got in a beef with one of the runners. A slob called Jerzy who's not quite as big as a Humvee.

  The old guy? He beat you up?

  No, that's Old Jerzy. I told you, he's gone. I got beat up by New Jerzy.

  Jesus Christ! Eunice said. Old Jerzy, New Jerzy, what the hell am I doing in this nutty fucking arrangement?

  It was over a payment I owed him, Dewey said with a sigh. He wanted more. He's a tweaker and he turned violent.

  Tweakers again! she said. No matter how many times I say no tweakers, you still end up working with them. Is that kid in the other room a tweaker?

  That kid is a baby, Dewey said. He's a nice, polite boy who wants to make some extra change. If he hadn't showed up, I woulda had to call an ambulance.

  Okay, so if you really think you got broken ribs, then let him take you to the ER at Hollywood Pres. I don't want paramedics coming in here to haul you out.

  My ribs're feeling a little better. I don't think they're broken. I just need a good night's sleep.

  So, what am I supposed to say to the kid? Eunice asked. Now that he's in a position to extort us?

  Say good-bye, Dewey muttered, after you drive him back to the office. And give him fifty bucks for his trouble.

  We better be planning to move, Eunice said before opening the door. I hope you enjoy your nap, because I won't sleep a wink tonight. She made no effort to hide a little sneer, adding, And Dewey, take off that stupid fucking mustache.

  When she closed the door, Dewey lay still, thinking maybe he could persuade Jerzy to make the kidnapping look extra real by giving Eunice a few of his special knuckle shots to her fat gut. Just to see how she liked it.

  Twilight had come to Hollywood and brought with it the endless streams of traffic. When they got trapped by two signal sequences at a stoplight on Hollywood Boulevard, Eunice said to Malcolm Rojas, You can call me Ethel. What's your name?

  Clark, Malcolm said.

  We better not waste time, Eunice said, so I can hurry back and tend to the wounded. You may have noticed he doesn't suffer in silence.

  Eunice drove and Malcolm sat quietly. Several times she found herself glancing over at him. He was a handsome kid, she had to admit that much. He was youthfully slender, with delicate features that made him look sensitive. She loved his curly hair and his heavy black lashes over those burning dark eyes. Yes, he was a really good-looking boy.

  Finally she said, Do you have a job, Clark?

  Yes, he said, I work at a home improvement center in the warehouse.

  Do you like the work?

  No, he said. It's boring. I'm hoping Mr. Graham can get me some work that's more f_"

  Exciting?

  Not really exciting, but f_"

  Challenging?

  Yes, that's it. Challenging.

  Mr. Graham is good at finding challenging jobs for young people, Eunice said. Maybe he can accommodate you.

  Malcolm surprised her when he said, How about you? How long have you been Mr. Graham's secretary?

  Nine years, she said.

  Is he a nice boss to work for?

  She had to smile. This boy! She hadn't been around anyone like him since, well, she couldn't remember when. He can be nice, she said. I'm sure he'll be nice to you, because you're nice.

  She looked over at him and he smiled shyly at the compliment. They rode quietly again, but she still found herself glancing over. At last she said, You have such gorgeous color. I was wondering, are you Hispanic?

  No, he said quickly. My mother was a Persian. Her family was wealthy but the
y had to get out of their country and come to America poor. She's dead now. My father was a French chef who worked in some of the best restaurants in New York. He's dead too.

  Eunice didn't believe a word of it. Just another Mexican-American kid, she figured, but with a rich imagination. Touching. It was touching to be with him. She was feeling emotions she hadn't felt in years. She was feeling like a girl!

  When they got back to the duplex, Malcolm said, That's my car, the old Mustang.

  A Mustang! Eunice said. My boyfriend had a Mustang when I was in high school.

  When she parked at the curb, she turned off the headlights. She had an uncontrollable urge to talk longer with this boy.

  He started to get out, and she opened her purse and said, Wait a minute. Don't you want your money? Mr. Graham promised you fifty dollars, didn't he?

  Malcolm said, Yeah, but I can't take money for helping a man who was injured. Anybody should do that for free. Just tell him I'll be waiting for his call.

  Wait a minute, Clark! Eunice said, stunned. When was the last time she'd dealt with anybody who'd turned down money? She closed her purse and said, What kind of burgers do you like? I'm gonna get me a Whopper. Wanna follow me? I'm buying.

  Wellf_U , he said. Maybe I should f_"

  Come on. You gotta be hungry, Eunice said. I'm starved. We can talk about the business, if you like.

  That did it. He wanted to learn more about what Bernie Graham might expect from him and how much money he could make. He followed her to Burger King, where they parked in the lot and went inside.

  Malcolm stood examining the wall menu, deciding what he was going to order, while Eunice was in the restroom. When she returned, her hair was combed and she was wearing fresh lipstick and even some eye shadow. Malcolm didn't like it, seeing her made up like this. It made her lookf_U flirty. He felt himself getting angry, but he had to control it if he wanted to work for her boss, Bernie Graham.

  I think I'll do like you and have a Whopper, he said, concentrating on the menu. And a Coke, please.

  After she ordered at the counter and their burgers were ready, she brought a tray to the table where Malcolm waited. Eunice put Malcolm's burger and drink in front of him, along with a paper napkin.