by R Weir
“What are you trying to pull?” he said, the steam coming out of his ears.
“Flynn is in. Just like you wanted. But he needs fifteen hundred investment money to seal the deal. I’m only the messenger. I figured you understand this to be part of the plan.”
“This isn’t a blank check he can cash in however he pleases. If he is screwing me, it will only come down even harder.”
“I think you and your thug twins have made this abundantly clear. I doubt he’ll need much more once he is inside and you will get the info you need to bring them all down.”
Wilson gritted his teeth, but conceded. I was out with the check and off to visit the bustling metropolis of downtown Des Moines.
It had been many years since I had been in this part of town, and the heart of it all hadn’t really changed much. I found parking as close to the Ruan Center as I could find and then travelled the skyway bridges before entering the building. I found the offices of Rivera’s Best Furnishings and waited patiently in the lobby for my appointment. Apparently, he was a busy man, as forty minutes after our appointment time I was finally sitting in his office, the decor mostly stainless steel and glass.
Samuel Rivera came around the shiny desk and shook my hand. He was maybe a little older than Flynn, shorter and a little thicker, but not on the heavy side. His jacket was hanging on the wall, the tie loose around his tanned neck, his thinning long hair reaching his collar, the strong smell of cologne filling the air.
“Sorry to make you wait,” he said after sitting down. “Had some inventory issues with a store in Kansas City I had to deal with.”
I smiled as if to say I understood, resisting the temptation of throwing back in his face what I’d been told on the phone about him hating people being late for appointments.
“So, I understand you are here to talk about a partnership or something along those lines. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of Mann Mattresses. Where are you located?”
“Wisconsin. We are small but looking to grow.”
“Do you have a website?”
“No. We are more of a hands-on company.”
“Why do you want to partner with us?”
“You are the top furniture company in the Midwest, but you don’t have any saturation in Wisconsin. Could be a chance for you to move into the dairy state.”
“I’m in Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and eastern Nebraska. Why would I want to be in Wisconsin?”
“Why wouldn’t you? The Badger State residents need furniture too. And you have the price and quality they desire.”
He turned to his notebook computer and started typing. When finished, a frown came over his face. He picked up the phone and dialed someone. He spoke softly so I couldn’t hear him. I knew the charade wouldn’t last, but I always enjoyed playing a role until it played itself out.
“No sign of you listed anywhere on the web.”
“Hard to find what isn’t there.”
“What is this about then?”
I pulled out a business card and slid it across his desk top.
“I’m interested in your relationship with Casey Gaines.”
The door opened behind me and in walked a man who barely fit through the opening. If he had been dressed in white I would have thought he was the Michelin Man, for his arms and legs strained at his shirt and pants. I guessed he was not an attorney.
“This is my security man, Chad. He is here to make sure you walk out of here and never return.”
“I take this to mean you don’t care to discuss her?”
“No, I don’t. Discussing her in the past has only brought me trouble.”
“Hence, why you have Chad here?”
“Exactly.”
“So, you won’t tell me how you met?”
He shook his head firmly. “Now, please go quietly, as I would prefer to avoid force.”
“You are certain he can remove me if required?”
“You appear confident in your skill, but Chad has a size advantage you won’t be able to overcome.”
I stood up, moving over about four feet from Chad. He was a very large man and did appear to be armed. If I wanted to press the situation I could probably handle him, since he likely would underestimate me, which was normal for larger men when they confronted me. The size difference gave them confidence I often could exploit. He had brawn and bulk, but did he have fighting skills? After careful consideration, I decided I wasn’t itching for a fight and had learned something valuable by coming here.
“I’ll go quietly,” I said. “But understand that my business is to find answers and, by not simply answering my questions, you’ve given me reason to dig into this more deeply. Rest assured, in time, I will learn what you don’t want me to know. I hope I’ve made myself clear.”
“Please go,” he said.
I walked to the door and patted Chad on the shoulder smiling. It was like petting a slightly animated granite statue. I’m glad I didn’t test my theory I could handle him.
Chapter 21
The next day I saw Flynn only long enough for him to stop by, and get the check, then he was gone again. I decided to dig more deeply on two fronts. One, Casey and the statement about a roommate; two, Samuel Rivera’s reluctance to speak about his relationship with Casey. Apparently, after speaking before, someone had paid him an unpleasant visit, and he now employed muscle to protect him.
Firstly, I decided to follow Casey around. Since I expected her to know Flynn’s Mustang, I traded cars with Helen, driving her gray Ford Fusion. It was dull and boring and like most other cars on the road, so I knew I’d be lost among the throng.
I went up to Johnston early the next morning and parked outside, waiting to see if she emerged. I saw her Saab, so I knew she was home. Since she never took Flynn, there was little chance of him seeing me. I waited through the morning, listening to music and reading my USA Today paper the hotel provided. Close to lunchtime she made an appearance, dressed to workout, hopped into her car and drove off. I had a good view of her apartment, but saw no other sign of anyone there. I went to her front door and rang the bell several times, but no one answered. Checking the door, I found it locked, and I had no tools to enter and look around. I found the building office, catching the manager as she was about to leave for lunch. With a bigger than life smile, I convinced her to return to her desk to help me. She was in a dark pant suit which fit her well, time being kind to her fifty-something frame. She put on her reading glasses to size me up.
“You are looking for a resident of the complex?” she said gleefully.
“Yes, I was supposed to meet her and her roommate for lunch. But I’m afraid I must have written down the wrong apartment number. When I knocked, they said they didn’t live there and didn’t know her. I’m hoping you can help me. I don’t want them to think I stood them up.”
“What are their names?”
“Casey Gaines and Shirley. I don’t know her last name, I’m sorry to say.”
“Oh yes, Miss Gaines I know. But she doesn’t have a roommate, or least she isn’t supposed to. That would be a violation of her lease.”
“Oh damn, I hope I didn’t get her in trouble. Please don’t mention it was me. I feel so stupid for writing down the wrong number.”
“Well, she is in 5G. One of the upper level units. Let me point out where it is, then I must get going. I’m late for lunch with my husband.”
She walked me outside and pointed me in the proper direction.
“Oh, thank you so much,” I said while grabbing her hand with both of mine, cradling it softly. “Please go and join your husband. He is very lucky to have such a sweet woman in his life. I will find my way.”
She pulled away while I walked over to the door again. I rang the bell a couple more times, but the manager was long gone. I walked back to the car and sat there thinking what I had learned. She had no roommate, but for some reason didn’t want Flynn at her place. It meant something, only I wasn’t sure what. But there was a reason a
nd I needed to dig into it further. I drove off, got a sandwich, and returned, waiting for her to come home A couple hours later she was back, her skin straining at the spandex, though in an attractive way. She was maybe inside for an hour or so before coming out again, this time dressed for social time. I decided to follow her to see where it led me. We drove several miles into Des Moines, where she met some girl friends at a local bar. I followed her in and took a seat at the bar with a good view of them at their table. They talked very animatedly. I decided to take a chance and asked the bartender to buy a round of drinks for their table on me, to see what reaction I got. Since Casey didn’t know me and only briefly saw me in the dark the one night at her door, I doubted she would remember me, especially since I was now beard free, and certainly Flynn wouldn’t have told her or shown a picture. Once the drinks arrived I was pointed out by the waitress and raised my glass at them. After a couple of words exchanged between them and a little laughter, they summoned me over. I walked over confidently like a man on a mission.
“Hello,” said Casey when I reached the table. “Buying a drink for all of us is quite brave. Were you targeting anyone in particular?”
I grinned ear to ear.
“You are all lovely,” I replied. “I figured my odds were good one of the three of you would be interested and I’d get a phone number. If I happen to hit pay dirt and get three, I’d be in heaven.”
All three laughed out loud and I made sure I was eye balling all of them, but kept most of my attention on Casey.
“My name is Paul Smith, but my friends call me Smitty.”
“Well, Smitty,” stated Casey. “I’m Casey and this is Kayla and Jennifer. I don’t think we’ve seen you in here before.”
“I’m new in town. Getting the lay of the land. I saw this place and decided to stop in and get a drink. I saw you three and figured what the hell. Better than watching what they had on TV or shooting the breeze with the barkeep.”
Casey was the looker of the group and seemed to be the alpha female. But the other two were nothing to sneeze at. Kayla was African American, dressed in silk blouse, dark jeans and heels, while Jennifer had short blonde hair, jeans and tank top barely containing her chest, with multi-colored sneakers which would make me cringe if I wasn’t playing a role. Kayla and Jennifer both had wedding rings on their left hand, but that didn’t seem to lower their flirt index any.
“So what do you do, Smitty?” asked Kayla.
“Sales mostly. I’ve done it all: cars, men’s and women’s clothes, life insurance. Hell even Amway. Anything to make a buck.”
“And what are you doing now?” said Jennifer.
“Staring at three lovely ladies,” I joked. “But I’m certain you mean work wise. I’m currently selling new and used cars. If you’re looking, I can make you a great deal.”
“Too bad you aren’t selling women’s clothing,” said Casey. “I’d love to see what you had, try them on, model them and see what type of deal you could make me.”
“Yes, it is too bad. It would be quite enjoyable getting you in and out of a dress. Maybe I should change professions and get back to you. If you’d let me call you.”
Our eyes met and I could feel the heat between us. She didn’t shy away at all.
“Of course, I wouldn’t want to leave your friends out. The same offer goes for them as well.”
“Thank you,” said Jennifer. “It is tempting, but my significant other would frown upon me giving out my number.”
“Perfectly understandable,” I replied. “My loss.”
“Oh pooh, Jennifer,” said Kayla. “You are no fun. I have no qualms about calling you, Smitty. And damn, Casey you need to leave some for the rest of us. How many men do you need?”
“No need to argue. There is plenty of me to go around. How about I give you my number and if you have the urge to call me, feel free. At the worst, you’ll get dinner out of me. At the best…”
I left the words hanging for them to interpret however they desired. I took a couple of paper coasters, got a pen from the bartender and wrote down my cell.
“This is my cell. It’s an out of state number since I recently moved here. Feel free to call me any time.” I reached out my hand and took each in mine one at a time. “Thank you, ladies. I will pay for your drinks. Have a pleasurable day.”
After paying the tab, I walked to the door, turned, and waved back at them, their smiles of joy lighting up my soul. Always leave them wanting more. Oh Jarvis, you still have it.
Chapter 22
I put a call into Detective Frakes earlier in the day, hoping to get some info on the furniture man. He called me back on my way back to the hotel.
“Rivera is forty-nine years old, has homes in Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha and St. Paul. Looks like he is married, with several children and likely some grandchildren, since his kids are older. The IRS has looked into his business several times for tax issues and he had to pay back money he owed. Other than a couple of parking tickets, he has no record.”
“Anything about him filing a complaint on anyone harassing him,” I asked.
“Give me a minute.”
I could hear key strokes and mouse clicks over the speaker.
“Yeah, he did file a complaint a few months back, but then withdrew the charges. Claimed someone came to his office, pushed him around some, gave him a black eye and did some damage at his office. He pulled the complaint a few days later, saying it was a misunderstanding.”
“Interesting.”
“Anything I need to know?” Frakes asked.
“Not at this time. But if I gather other data which is important, I’ll let you know.”
“Sure you will,” he replied and then hung up the line.
The data I had was growing, but nothing was forming a solid connection. So I decided to go back to my hotel and call it a night. Before lying down, I took a shot at calling Melissa and, luckily got her, though for only a few minutes.
“I’m leaving class right now and heading home,” she said. “Man, I’m beat and still I have more homework.”
“I wanted to call and say I missed you. I don’t like being out of touch for too long. I’m worried the distance is harming us.”
“I know it’s hard being apart. I’ve been so busy I doubt we’d see each other much anyway.”
Her words didn’t thrill me any. We tried to fill the airways with small talk, but neither had much to say, exhaustion clogging our brains.
“Well, as always, be careful. Keep an eye on Flynn and come home as soon as you can.”
We said our “I love you” and the room was quiet again. The conversation wasn’t a high point in our relationship. I struggled to sleep, but soon dozed off. All I remember after that was a dream from when I was younger.
The whole senior school year had been great. Roni and I had a terrific time when we were together. But I’d also had a terrific time with two other girls, one a senior too, the other a junior. Roni had put up with my choices and I never lied to her about them. As the end of year neared and Prom lay just around the corner, she wanted me to make a decision. She wanted me to herself. Prom could be a wonderful time together, the beginning of a committed relationship. I had been given an ultimatum.
“Jarvis, you are a wonderful person,” she came out and said to me. “I have extreme feelings for you. You are someone I can see myself falling in love with. But you have to be on the same page as me. If we are to continue, you must go out with me and only me. If not, then it must end.”
I felt cornered. And when I felt that way, it usually didn’t end well.
“Roni, you are great,” I replied. “But I’m not ready to settle down. I’m enjoying myself too much to limit me. Besides, with summer coming and college on the horizon, I have thoughts of moving on from here. And I doubt you’ll want to leave Des Moines.”
She stepped close to me as we stood outside in the warming sun.
“I would with you,” Roni said. “Tell me I’m the one an
d I’ll go off with you wherever the wind takes you.”
I put my arms around her, hugging her as tightly as I ever had. She smelled great, was beautiful, warm and of a good heart. Yet somehow, at this time in life for me, it wasn’t enough.
“I’m sorry,” I said in her ear. “I do care for you. But I can’t give you what you want right now. I hope you understand and I hope you’ll still want to go out with me.”
I knew the answer, as I could feel her body shaking, as she started to cry. She pulled away and started walking backwards, and I could see the tears in her eyes.
“Goodbye, Jarvis,” is all she said, and I never saw her again, until all these years later…
The next morning I woke and saw it was already 9:30. I pulled myself out of bed when Helen called. She sounded a little panicked.
“What are you doing?” she said, out of breath.
“Dragging myself out of bed. What is wrong?”
“Can you come over to the house? I need to talk.”
“Shouldn’t you be at work?”
“I called in sick. Can you, please?”
“Are you in danger?”
“No. Please come over as soon as you can.”
She hung up and I was up and moving as quickly as I could. After a shower and getting dressed, I grabbed donuts and juice from the dining area and made it to Helen’s in about forty-five minutes. She and the dog, Molly, greeted me at the door. Helen looked tired and was still dressed in a robe. I scratched Molly’s ears and then gave Helen a hug. We sat in the kitchen after she gave the yellow lab a bone to chew on.
“I did something stupid, Jarvis,” she said after drinking some coffee. You could see her hands were shaking.
I kept quiet and let her continue. I hadn’t a clue what could be so bad.
“Flynn called me yesterday afternoon. He was finishing up at his new job and wanted to see if I got the delivery. While I was on the phone, a man came to the door delivering flowers and a beautiful necklace. They were from Flynn. He wanted to come over after work and take me and Jolene out for a lovely dinner.”
