The Pike_Right To Remain Silent

by Erik Schubach

  I ordered a couple large pies, some of their famous garlic knots, and a couple two-liter bottles of soda. She was narrowing an eye at me at the volume of food I was ordering. I just wanted plenty of leftovers for her. Oh, and her brother I guess.

  I shrugged as I hung up after giving my card number. “What? I'm a growing girl.”

  Johnny got a smarmy look on his face and opened his pie hole again, but Maddie, with her eyes still on me, held up a stopping hand toward him and warned, “Just one lewd word, Boxcar, I dare you.” Boxcar?

  He snapped his mouth shut, and she added, “Get yourself cleaned up, we have a guest, and you reek.”

  He test sniffed his armpit and said, “I do not r...”

  She pointed toward the door. I really liked this assertive version of her, and I knew without asking that she was the responsible one who took care of them both.

  He gave me a silly grin and marched off like a scolded child, reminding her, “I'm the big brother here you know.”

  She was quick to retort as he shut the door behind him, “Then act like it sometime.”

  We heard him stomping up the stairs outside, and she gave me a toothy grin. She shrugged. “Soooo... that's my brother, Johnny.”

  I grinned back. “I got that.” She swatted the air at me, and I chuckled. She was so much more relaxed now. I nudged my eyes up, curiosity getting the better of me since I had heard her brother on the stairs. “You're up there?”

  She nodded. “It is a little cramped with the two of us, but Johnny is hardly ever around, and I get the little bedroom to myself.”

  That was my entire storehouse of small talk, and I felt suddenly awkward, so I looked around and asked, “Wrangle?” She nodded, and I said, “Great, hold this.” I handed her my cola can and stepped back to the makeshift abomination I was putting together.

  She muttered, “Hey!” And I chuckled at her distress and shot her a smug smile as I put the welding helmet back on. She scrunched her face in distaste of my teasing and then got her own smug look and made a show of drinking the rest of my pop.

  I had to chuckle as I slapped the visor down and started the final weld. I cringed at the sloppy, bunched up bead I was making. It was good that law enforcement was my chosen profession.

  I finished up, and we pushed the welder back to its corner, and I squinted one eye almost in apology at my creation. I said, “Behold. Rectangle doohickey with round things attached.” This got a silly giggle from her.

  She walked around it like an antique appraiser, one brow cocked. “Won't win any beauty awards...”

  I countered, “Hey, you want your cart mobile or not?”

  She got a silly grin on her face and rocked over to bump shoulders with me. “Yes, that's why I didn't call it ugly.” The imp.

  Johnny rejoined us in a fresh set of clothes which did nothing to assuage the farm boy look. I wondered if it were an intentional look, Madelyn had said they were from Portland, not the country.

  I took a deep breath and exhaled and asked her, “Shall we see if we can make you mobile again?” She nodded, hope in her eyes. By the holy goblin of the Tupperware factory, I hoped I didn't disappoint her.

  We rolled my contraption over, and Johnny operated the hoist to lift the cart a little more, and we got the frame under the cart. He slowly operated the chain until the cart rested on the frame and most of the weight of it was taken by the bicycle tires. There was a little groan of protest as the frame flexed until it was flush against the base. Then I exhaled. So far so good. I said, “Ok, hold it there.”

  I rummaged around the bins at one of the workbenches and came up with some screws. I looked at the racks of screwdrivers on a magnetic strip on a pegboard but then grinned at the cordless drill on the workbench with a row of batteries in a charger. Sparkplug certainly knew how to outfit a shop.

  I moved under the cart and sat cross-legged as I told them, “Hold it steady, I'll have to drill pilot holes through my frame first.” They each took a side as I drilled up then ran the screws in, fastening the frame to the wooden cart. It snugged up well.

  Then I slid out, put the tools away and asked, “Ready to test it?”

  Madelyn nodded, pressing her hands together and placed them in front of her lips like she was in silent prayer. I lowered the chain the rest of the way and cast off the straps. Then I snorted. God, it was ugly balancing on the bicycle tires and the legs at the handles.

  I lifted the push handles and moved the cart around. Smooth as silk. Maybe even smoother than with the wagon wheels since the bicycle tires were rubber and acted like shock absorbers.

  I looked at the siblings, and both of them were leaning a bit as she critiqued my fix. “It's leaning a bit left, one of the wheels is higher than the other, and they don't line up.” Her brother nodding in agreement.

  I made an exasperated sound, and her eyes glittered in mischief as she giggled. Now that wasn't fair. I had to smile back. I pointed out, “You're evil. Will it do or not?”

  She stepped up to me and looked down at her wringing hands. I grabbed them in my right hand to stop her, and she looked up, that bashfulness had returned to her face as she nodded. “It's perfect Dani. Thank you. You are a lifesaver.” Then she smirked. “Besides, I can hide the monstrosity away under a skirt for the market.”

  I had to chuckle at her and said to Johnny, “This is the gratitude I get.”

  He shrugged. “Better than I get... feel special.”

  We were interrupted from our banter by the sounds of a car pulling up outside, the pizza had arrived at the perfect time. John said, “I'll get it.” He made his way outside, and I stepped back over to where my uniform top and gear were stacked and put them back on as Madelyn was playfully testing the cart out. I was grinning at her.

  When Johnny stepped in with the pizza boxes and bags, he froze. He had that rage in his eyes again, and he turned to look at his sister as he set the food down on a box. He accused, “You brought a cop here?”

  Chapter 5 – Great Equalizer

  My brother blurted out, “You brought a cop here?” Then he stormed back out the door and slammed it. I heard him stomping up the stairs, then the apartment door slammed. Well fuck. That didn't go well now, did it? Smooth move, Maddie.

  I sort of even forgot that O'Brien was a cop, we had been having so much fun. I may have been distracted by her fit form a bit. Was it wrong that I wanted to lick frosting off her abs? And just what the hell was that tat? I wanted to know.

  But why hadn't I told John the whole story, and who she was? I suppose I was avoiding this, because... because I was liking the woman even though she wore a badge. I didn't want this exact reaction to ruin the fun we had been having.

  I stood there a moment, looking down, the silence was awkward, so I offered, “Umm... sorry about that. Not real big fans of the police here. He did some time for shoplifting. That's sort of why we moved to Seattle, to start fresh now that his parole is over.”

  I looked at my hands and rubbed at the fabric dye on them. “I don't know why I'm even telling you this.”

  She exhaled and assured, “It's ok, really. It is more common than you might think. But if he did the crime, then that is on him, not the police.”

  I snapped before I could stop myself, “And that gave them license to paint me with the same brush?”

  She hesitated, and I looked up to see her brow was furrowed as she studied me. Then Danielle sighed, “Come on, let's eat, and you can explain.” She made an ushering motion toward the abandoned food. “Pizza, the great equalizer.” She reached down, opened a box, and pointed at the pizza, saying with a straight face, “Circle.”

  God damn it, why did she have to be all cute like that? I was just starting to get my assertiveness back, remembering the ordeal I was put through because of John's stupidity. I snorted and muttered, “Smartass.”

  Dani picked up a slice, trailing cheese stringers from the hot pie, and took a bite, saying with a full mouth, “Yes, my ass is a friggin' genuis, Ph.D
. and everything.”

  I smirked and grabbed a slice, the savory and tantalizing aroma was killing me, I had missed lunch and was starving. “You just have to have the last word on everything, don't you?”

  The woman grinned as she opened one of the bags and the smell of fresh baked bread and garlic wafted out. “Says you.”

  Sitting on a box of fabric bolts, I smirked as her eyes twinkled while I said, “Yes, I did. Just now. You were right there when I said it.”

  The amused officer joined me on the box and bumped my shoulder as she bit into a garlic knot, speaking with her mouth full, “Is that our thing now?”

  At the thought of us having a thing caused the burn of blush to heat my cheeks and travel down my neck. I'd likely never see the woman again unless she found my cash box. I shrugged as she finished the knot and licked the garlic butter off her fingers.

  She dug around in the bags, pulled out some napkins, then wiped her fingers before pouring us each some cola. She handed me a cup as I devoured the slice like I hadn't eaten in a week. Soprano's made phenomenal pizza but was a little rich for my pocketbook, so this was a rare treat. I closed my eyes to savor it. I shrugged. “I guess. It's better than throwing darts at each other.”

  She grinned at that then we both turned to the sound of the door opening. An elderly man with a white halo of hair around his balding, liver-spotted head, stepped in. His hands shook a little as he squinted toward us to see. “What's all the ruckus about out here, Madelyn? The slamming of doors woke me from a nap.”

  I was up on my feet instantly and moving to his side. I took his arm, and he leaned on me for a little support as I led him to the boxes. “Sorry about that Mr. Laurey. I was robbed today and Johnny was a little upset to see a cop here.”

  His eyes widened a bit and glanced at O'Brien as she stood and offered him a seat. Then he nodded. “So nothing but a temper tantrum. What's the boy going to do? Resents being caught the rest of his life? Tell that brother of yours to man up.”

  Then he added a little softer, “You're ok?”

  I nodded, with a little smile to reassure him.

  Dani took one of his arms and helped him sit as she said, “Please, join us. We just had pizza delivered, there's plenty.” Then she shook her head and said in amazement, “Wow, Sparkplug Laurey. You're a legend at the local garages.”

  He sat with a wheeze, I'm pretty sure the man is like a gazillion years old. Then he chuckled. “Sparkplug... now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time. You're a little young to be knowing it.” He had a little smirk on his lips as he looked at her then reached for a slice. “Mmm... Soprano's.”

  Then he winked at me as he took a bite and said, “What my cardiologist doesn't know won't kill him.” He turned to Dani with a sly grin. “Though it might me.”

  The woman didn't miss a beat as she grabbed a third paper cup and poured some pop into it to hand him as she quipped with a huge grin on her face, “Old mechanics are too ornery to die.”

  He started a response instantly, “They just...” Then he paused. “Again, you're too young to know that old phrase.” Then he smirked. “And when did they start giving out badges to children?”

  She lightly slapped his shoulder as I watched on in amusement. “I'm twenty-four, hardly a child.”

  They started bantering like old friends would. She had this way about her that just put people at ease. She shared with him, but with one eye on me like she was sharing it for my sake. “Pop runs a shop in the Queen Anne district. Jake's. I used to wrangle tools for him when I was growing up.”

  Mr. Laurey chuckled. “You're little Jake O'Brien's kid? He's just a kid himself.”

  She countered, “He's fifty, Sparkplug.”

  He shook his head and said like he was explaining to a small child, “Once you pass three-quarters of a century, anyone younger is just a kid. And Jake used to hang around my shop when he was just seven or eight.”

  He took a swig from his cup and made a sour face. “Is there something a little stronger to drink with this pie? Beer?”

  I chastised him, “You're not supposed to have alcohol, and I don't allow any around Johnny, you know that Mr. L.”

  He cocked an amused eyebrow at me and turned to Dani. “Be a dear and check under the far workbench, behind the slider.”

  Curiosity painted her face as the woman hopped up and walked across the garage, she slid one of the doors at the base of the workbench and exposed a mini-fridge. She opened it, then turned back with a grin. The old coot winked at her, and she chuckled and reached in, then returned to us with a Budweiser in hand after concealing the fridge again.

  I accused the man with incredulity in my tone, “Mr. Laurey!”

  He took the offered beer and popped the tab as he shot me an innocent look, explaining in his deep gravely voice, “For medicinal purposes.”

  I tried, but how could you be mad at a crafty old man?

  I offered, “Don't blame me if nothing good comes from this.”

  He shrugged. “A slice and a beer? I'd die happy.” Though we laughed, part of me was still appalled he could laugh about something like that. He was a good man, who didn't care about Johnny's past, and still took us on, and I really liked him. It just seemed so sad to me that one day, his house would sit empty. I just hoped it wouldn't be anytime soon.

  We sat around and just talked about things. The subjects were fluid. From mechanics to Seattle, to life in general. Danielle put her trivia muscles to the test, but Mr. L kept up just fine. I was learning about her in these little snapshots of insight as we all conversed.

  Then Mr. Laurey retired. “It's getting late, and I'm no spring chicken anymore. Give my regards to little Jake for me?”

  O'Brien nodded. “Will do. You need help back to the house?”

  He gave her an exasperated look with one eyebrow cocked. “I've been navigating this walk since before you were in diapers young lady, I'm quite certain I can handle it.”

  He paused at the door and looked out across the yard as we chuckled at him. He grumbled to himself about the lawn getting long. I called out, “I'll mow the lawn tomorrow after work.”

  He looked back at me. “The day I can't mow my own lawn...”

  I shook my head and said plainly, “I could use the exercise.”

  He kept his gaze on me then made a non-committal grunt and headed out the door into the darkening night, shutting it behind him. Then I was alone with Danielle again, and I felt oddly bashful. Hell, I had been alone with her most of the day, so why now?

  We sat, and she tidied the leftovers like she was nervous. Neither of us spoke until she blurted, “I'm off duty tomorrow. I can come by to work on the wheel.”

  I blinked. She really meant to fix it? I thought she would cut and run now that she had my cart mobile. My heart raced over the fact that I'd be able to see her again. I closed my eyes. Just shoot me now, I'm attracted to a flippin' cop.

  I said, “O... ok.”

  Then she looked over at me and reached out almost timidly toward my hair as she assured me, “We will get this guy, Maddie.”

  I pulled back before she could touch my wig. She didn't need to find out that way. It would scare her off. Would that be such a bad thing? I intercepted her hand and grasped it, holding it to my chest instead.

  She laced our fingers as my heart started thudding in my chest. Her hand was so warm, and strong, and... my brow furrowed as I finished the thought... wrong. Something didn't feel right. I glanced down to look at our hands and blinked. It looked wrong too, but to heck, if I knew why.

  She pulled her hand back and covered it with her other hand as she looked suddenly overly self-conscious. Then she shrugged and said like an apology, “Umm... yeah. I'm a bit of a freak.” She held her left hand up and spread her fingers. At first, I didn't get it, though something was off, then my eyes went wide when I realized the woman had six fingers on her left hand.

  She offered, “I'm a polydactyl. I understand, it's pretty freaky.”
>
  She seemed so dejected, but I just looked at her hand and then smiled and said in truth, “No, actually, that's pretty damn cool.” I reached out half way to her hand.

  Then I hesitated and said in a small, faraway voice, “Besides, we're all freaks in some way.” I lifted my hand to my hair and paused again. Was I really going to do this? I may as well say goodbye to her now if I do, but she seemed to be ashamed of being different than others.

  I closed my eyes and pulled my head scarf and wig off. Exposing my smooth head.

  Chapter 6 – Wagon Wheels

  I had just shown Maddie my hand like an idiot, but she didn't think it was freaky or as my last love interest, Kayla, said, “Gross.” She wouldn't let me touch her with that hand anymore, and that sort of ended our relationship right there. It isn't like it's contagious, it's just an extra finger.

  It happens with every 1,300 people or so to some degree. Mine just happens to be fully formed postaxial polydactylyism. At least that extra digit is fully functional. Dad told me that the doctor had asked when I was born if they should schedule a procedure to “Correct the anomaly.” My parents refused, saying that they loved me just the way God gave me to them, unique.

  I like it even though it makes me a freak.

  Madelyn only hesitated, then said in a distracted voice, “Besides, we're all freaks in some way.”

  She lifted her hand to her awesome hair, then did the last thing I expected, and pulled it off. I blinked at her smooth, bald head, my mind catching up with me as I put things together. Her eyebrows, my imagined lengthening and slight color change of her hair.

  I took a half step closer, into her personal space, my brow creasing in worry and concern. Was it...?

  She placed a hand on my chest as she shook her head, not meeting my eyes as she almost growled out, “God I hate that look. Pity. No, it isn't cancer. I have Alopecia Universalis. It's a genetic autoimmune disorder. I can't grow any hair on my body.”