The Butcher (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 5)

by Emilie J. Howard

  Big Lou protested, “What do you mean? If we wanna leave this town, we sure as hell can jump in our cars and leave.”

  Her gaze moved from the top of his head to his toes, and her wrinkled lips twitched. Glancing at Maurice, she shrugged and said, “Perhaps right, perhaps wrong.”

  Big Lou began mumbling something about gypsies and the evil eye, but Maurice diverted him back to the item of interest. The old woman escorted them to the antique movie marquee hanging on the wall in a different section of the shop. Big Lou’s eyes went wide, and a broad smile appeared on his face. He elbowed Maurice and said, “Just like in the old days, huh?”

  Maurice examined it and agreed. “It’s very nostalgic. It may need some work done to the lighting, but overall, I think it’s a fine price for a wonderful item.” He turned to the woman. “Thank you.”

  Her head tilted to the sign, and she gave a terse nod. “You take it down and haul it away. The price stays as is.”

  Big Lou took down one end, and Maurice hefted down the opposite end. They carried it to the cash register and leaned it against the wall. Big Lou pulled out his wallet and extended the money to the woman; it dawned on him that they didn’t even know her name. She said, “My name is Wanda. You are Big Lou.” She turned to Maurice and said, “You are Maurice.”

  Maurice was taken back and gazed at Big Lou in wonder when a thought came to him. “My daughter told you our names before we arrived. Perhaps she called you this morning?”

  The woman replied, “Perhaps she did. Perhaps she didn’t.”

  Big Lou moaned as he walked to the sign. “Okay, I’ve had enough of the hocus-pocus for one day. Let’s go, Maurice.”

  Maurice extended his hand out to the woman and said, “It was a pleasure, Wanda.”

  She shook his hand and watched the two men leave her establishment. She skittered from one window to the next until she saw them get the marquee safely inside the vehicle and pull away. She muttered, “Nope, this town ain’t never gonna let them go.”

  As they drove down the street, Big Lou exhaled and said, “I didn’t know a witch lived here.”

  Maurice burst out in hard laughter and cackled, “We will forever name her Wanda the Witch.”

  “You’re one sick puppy, Maurice. This is serious shit. Witches have a way of fucking up a guy’s day!”

  Maurice continued laughing. To think, Big Lou, head of a crime syndicate, was afraid of a little old woman. After he calmed himself, he said, “Let’s go get some lunch at the tavern.”

  “To hell with eating. After that weird encounter, I need a drink!”

  ***

  Maurice and Big Lou sat in the poker room of the tavern, eating a full plate of food and drinking. They played a few rounds of cards and talked.

  Maurice asked, “How are your men acclimating to this town?”

  Big Lou winced. “About that. I had trouble back in New York and had to send them home after they finished up work on the place.” Maurice stopped shuffling the cards and stared at him. He watched Big Lou raise his shoulders and say, “I gotta do what I gotta do! I mean, we’re only up against two guys. I had a decision to make. I got a business to run!” He blew out a breath and added, “Not only that, but I got a call from Myrna before they left. Two of my boys are going undercover tonight to dig up the grave of the Whittier kid.”

  Maurice understood Big Lou’s decision but remarked, “Well, don’t tell the chief. Keep that tidbit to yourself. Myrna likes to keep as many people in the dark as possible.” He shuffled cards as he spoke. “It appears from now on, you and I are on a buddy system. Without your men at the house, it will be Delilah and Timmy, You and I, Fran and Adam, and Myrna and Tom or the chief paired up. However, I must say, I do not like you staying alone at the house.”

  Big Lou asked, “Wanna have a sleepover?”

  Maurice laughed at the thought and then turned serious. “Is the movie theater set up?”

  Big Lou gave him a devilish grin. “You bet. It was a priority for the boys.” He leaned in toward Maurice and whispered, “One stipulation. We gotta get the marquee set up, running, and hung above the front door before Delilah jumps down my throat again.”

  They shook hands and made plans for the following night. Maurice insisted Adam and Fran stay the evening with him, seeing as his men had left, and Big Lou agreed.

  A knock came at the door, and Big Lou rose from his seat and opened the door a crack. A man was standing there, and Big Lou proudly announced, “No patrons allowed in this room.”

  Samuel Whittier asked, “Aren’t you a patron?”

  Big Lou stared at the man and answered, “No, I’m family. Now whaddya want?”

  Samuel stared at Big Lou and saw the resemblance to Robert DeNiro. He had struck gold. He was staring at one of his targets. “I was looking for Delilah and heard a conversation back here, so I investigated.”

  “Whaddya want with my girl?”

  Samuel stepped back as though shocked. “I was under the impression she was Maurice Gillette’s daughter, not yours.”

  “We’re good about sharing.”

  Maurice sat there, still as stone, listening to the conversation. He knew who was on the other side of the door and enjoyed hearing Big Lou toy with Samuel.

  Samuel stood there with a package in his left hand and tilted his head at Big Lou. “I have something for her and would like to deliver it to her personally.” He stuck out his right hand and said, “I’m Samuel Whittier. And you are?”

  Big Lou shook his hand and answered, “I’m the guy who’s gonna kick your ass and send you packin’ all the way to hell if you harm Delilah. That’s who I am.”

  The man, who appeared unshaken to Big Lou, snickered and replied, “It appears I’ve disturbed you. I will return during the proper hours to see the mistress of the home.”

  Big Lou slammed the door and locked it. He turned to Maurice and hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “What the fuck is wrong with that cockroach? ‘Mistress of the house?’ Did you see what he’s wearing? Did you hear how he talked? I wanted to punch his shiny white teeth down his throat.” He returned to his seat, shaking his head. “This day couldn’t be more screwed up if it tried.”

  Maurice couldn’t answer; he was in a fit of silent laughter with his hand clamped over his mouth. As he wiped his eyes and calmed down, he began dealing another hand of cards for the two of them.

  ***

  That evening at the tavern, Maurice was pleasantly surprised when Corrine Butler showed up with a few of her girlfriends. They were all in their fifties and enjoying an extended winter ski trip together. He sat them at a table for four and took their drink order. As he turned to retrieve the drinks of their choice, he heard the women tittering and teasing Corrine. He grinned as he placed the varying drinks on a tray and returned to their table with a waitress, who handed out their menus.

  Maurice stood attentively and introduced himself to the women. He glanced at Corrine and said, “As I promised. The first round of drinks is on the house. I’m glad you could make it here this evening.”

  She blushed and thanked him. He cocked his head a bit and asked, “Following your meal, perhaps you would do me the honor of dancing with me?”

  She replied, “I don’t dance fast, but if it’s a slow song, we have a deal.”

  “I’ll be sure it’s an appropriate song.” He bid them adieu and returned behind the bar to assist Delilah.

  Delilah nudged him and said, “She’s so pretty, Father. How did you first meet her?”

  “Right in this very establishment on New Year’s Eve. You didn’t notice because you were busy in the kitchen.”

  Delilah faced him and stared into his eyes. “Be careful, Father. Your choice in women is not always conducive to our predicament. You become distracted.”

  Maurice laughed and leaned down to her. “My choice when it came to your mother was perfect, and so are you. You must have more faith in me, darling.”

  She puckered her lips, stood on tipt
oes, and kissed his cheek. “I will.”

  Maurice leaned on the bar and watched as Big Lou and Timmy arrived. They grabbed their drinks and sat at one of the tables for a snack. Delilah sauntered over and handled their order and then returned to Maurice’s side. She poked his forearm. “I see Corrine going over to the jukebox. Did you ask her to dance?”

  He smiled. “Apparently, she wants to pick out the music we glide across the floor to.”

  Delilah rolled her eyes and fussed with his long silken gray hair. “Do not make me gag, Father. If I have to experience another one of your ‘epiphanies’ or ‘dalliances,’ I swear I’m going to pitch an unholy fit. I like her, so this had better be the real deal.”

  He brushed a finger against the tip of her nose. “This is life, my dear. I must embrace it and take a chance now and again.”

  Delilah watched as he slid from behind the bar and approached Corrine. The music began; it was an enjoyable slow song, and Maurice soon found out Corrine was light on her feet and glided across the floor like a professional. He was enthralled and led her into the perfect fluid motions to the beat of the music.

  Delilah smiled, and her head tilted as she watched the two of them. She had to admit, they looked good together. Corrine and he were almost identical in height, but of course, Corrine was wearing heels. However, it worked. She was more than satisfied with the few pictures she had taken of the two of them. When the song ended, they didn’t leave the floor as another song kicked in. Customers were smiling and commenting as they watched the two dancers, and this left Delilah content.

  She was abruptly startled when she heard a voice say, “Good evening, Lady of the Manor.” She whipped around and saw Samuel sliding onto a barstool. He held a wrapped package and pushed it toward her.

  She patted her chest and began to calm down as she walked behind the bar to put her camera away, wondering what the hell she had done to God that he would place Satan’s snake in her path again. “Good evening, Samuel.”

  He smiled, and soon the smile slid into an evil sneer. He was watching Maurice and Corrine on the dance floor. He muttered, “Well it didn’t take him long to get over the loss of my sister.”

  Delilah hated to do it, but she reached out and patted the top of his gloved hand as she lied, “She’s just a new customer. They don’t even know each other. It’s just that Father loves to dance slow. Relax. I can assure you he still mourns Patricia.”

  He took his hands from the bar top and began removing his gloves. “Well, what do you say we show them up? I’m very light on my feet and would enjoy your company on the dance floor.”

  She went along but swore under her breath she was going to give her father a wallop for it. The staff bartender relieved her and took her place as Samuel removed his overcoat and top hat. He escorted her to the dance floor, and they too glided around the room effortlessly.

  Timmy frowned as Samuel danced his girlfriend around the room like she was his property. Big Lou elbowed him. “He’s just trying to piss you off. Ignore him. Delilah might have plans of her own no matter what the chief says.”

  “If she does, I’m helping. I already hate the guy.”

  Big Lou sat back with a satisfied grin on his face as he watched Delilah feign interest in Samuel. He knew she had a nifty little pearl-handled dagger strapped to her leg under her dress. “Ain’t she something, Timmy?”

  Timmy chuckled. “She sure is, boss.”

  Big Lou turned to him. “You love her, dontcha?” Timmy sat there with stars in his eyes as he watched her dance, and Big Lou laughed. “Never mind, no need to answer.”

  When the song ended, Delilah and Samuel returned to the bar, and she watched as he tapped the top of the wrapped package he had brought with him. His eyes were sparkling as he said, “I’ve taken the liberty of having my sister’s photo framed for your wall here at the tavern.”

  Delilah graciously opened the package and found she loved the frame he had chosen. She didn’t care for his sister being in the photograph, but she’d let it go…for now. She beamed at him. “Shall we find the perfect spot for this among the others?”

  He stood and extended his right arm out. “Lead the way.” She noticed his eyes scanning the rooms, always watching, searching, and landing on Maurice. She then watched his lip curl when he noticed Timmy and Big Lou were seated at another table, but she didn’t comment. She poked his arm, and he came back to reality and followed her to the wall. There were already several wonderful photos mounted and hung portraying varying customers in the throes of revelry. He chose a spot she agreed with, and within minutes, it hung in its place of honor. He stood back, admiring it, and turned to her. “It’s perfect. At least I’ll always know she’ll be watching from above as other people enjoy themselves here, just as she did.”

  Delilah giggled. “Oh she had a grand time that night. She truly did.” Her mind went back to a drugged Patricia dancing like a marionette and the special “Mouse Mousse” she had devoured. Delilah had prepared it especially for Patricia as payback for trying to kill her loved ones.

  Samuel stood content and said, “Well, it’s late, but I believe I’ll finish my drink and then be on my way.” He turned to her, raised her hand in his, and kissed the top of it. “It’s been a pleasure, Delilah.”

  She wanted to gouge his eyes out with a fork, but her face flushed, and she replied, “Anytime, Samuel.”

  He strode to the bar, threw back his drink, put on his top hat and coat, and grabbed his cane. Within moments, he was gone, and Delilah ran to Big Lou and Timmy. She sat down and growled, “I want to cut his junk off, cram it all inside his mouth, and make him walk around town, the arrogant prick!” She caught her breath and turned to see Big Lou withholding laughter and shaking his head. “Well?”

  He calmed himself and said, “Honey, you can’t do it. We gave our word to the chief and Myrna.”

  Her lips tightened. “He’s toying with us, and it’s not natural! It’s normally Father and I playing the game. Adam likes to help too!” She glanced around the rooms. “I know what we can do. We can make him a pair of those cement shoes you guys are always talking about. I swear I’ll shovel off a spot on the lake and drill a hole large enough for his body to fit through if you want.” She looked to Big Lou with a hopeful expression.

  He just shook his head and reminded her, “An oath is an oath, honey. Now we have to stand by our word.”

  She sat back, pouting again, when a thought came to her. “By the way, where has Adam been? He has not checked in with me at all, and I have to remind him to do a few things.”

  Big Lou answered, “He took Frannie on a small shopping excursion today. She needed some new clothes. Has he checked in with Maurice?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, and I don’t dare ask him right now. He’s in heaven with his newfound infatuation.” She shook her head. “This day stinks.”

  Big Lou and Timmy laughed and proceeded to console her. Big Lou explained that Adam was recently engaged and in love, and she needed to cut him some slack. It didn’t help; she continued babbling about different ways to “off” Samuel. Big Lou stood up, took her hand, and tugged her out of her seat. “Go to the kitchen. The chef has a surprise for you.”

  He watched her expression change and fill with excitement. She asked, “Did you make me my favorite thing in the universe?”

  His smile was filled with pride. “I sure did. Bring a big bowl out here for all of us along with the fresh bread I baked this morning.” He watched her race to the kitchen so fast she nearly fell out of her shoes.

  When he sat down, Timmy said, “You know you’re going to have to teach me how to make it for her, right?”

  Big Lou nodded. “It’s easy. Just buy a nice cut of prime rib, baste it, roast it off, and let the meat rest after it’s done. Don’t cut it too soon, or you lose all the blood. She goes nuts for the blood. It’s the only thing capable of calming her down now.”

  “Got it, boss.”

  When Maurice finished
dancing, he joined them at the table. Big Lou warned him, “Look out. Delilah ain’t happy.”

  Maurice appeared nonplussed and merely gazed about the room in a state of euphoria. Big Lou rolled his eyes at Timmy, who put his head down. It wasn’t long before Delilah returned to the table, sat down, and began devouring fresh-baked bread soaked in blood. She glanced at her father and sneered, “I hope you had fun cavorting around the dance floor while I had to entertain the pompous prick.” She chewed, swallowed, and turned to Big Lou. “I have a new idea on how to off him.” He raised his eyebrows, so she continued, “I’m going to take the ridiculous cane he carries around for no reason and jam it…”

  Maurice leaned forward and hissed, “Delilah, stop!”

  She dropped her bread and sat back, eager to know why he didn’t want to hear the rest of her plan. “Please don’t tell me you’re in one of your infamous ‘love stupors,’ Father. I can’t deal with it right now.”

  He laughed as he stared at the ceiling. “I’m just reveling in life’s splendor. We must enjoy the snippets of joy life bestows upon us while we can. Eventually, those precious moments will be ripped and torn from our clutches. You must stop pretending you don’t care for Corrine.”

  She turned to Big Lou. “Get ready, he’s about to board the philosophical train called life.”

  Big Lou and Timmy snickered but listened intently as Maurice continued speaking: “I merely wish to find a love again in this life while I can. Someone who aches when I am not within their vision, and I can only hope to feel the same for her. I think I’ve found the perfect woman.”

  Delilah’s face contorted in disbelief. “How can your heart know so soon?”

  Maurice was starry eyed again as he exclaimed, “It happened the same way with your mother, dear. I have solidified four more dates with the enchantress.”

  Big Lou commented, “I knew the minute I laid eyes on my wife that I was gonna marry her.”

  Maurice asked Delilah, “How do you feel when you and Timmy are separated?”