The Cherry Pages

by Gary Ruffin

  Cherry was right. I could easily spend the rest of my days in the rays of Gulf Front too.

  No problem a’tall.

  64

  NEAL TOOK THE PHONE FROM A STILL SLEEPY SUSAN, AND WOKE UP quickly when he heard the tone of Agent Carver’s voice.

  “What’s the bad news, Agent?” he asked, praying it wasn’t Coop and Cherry who were the reason for such an early-morning call.

  “You need to get over to Brookhaven on the double,” Carver said. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you. Joe Don Kendrick’s body was discovered a short while ago in his front yard. I’m here watching the crime-scene people do their jobs. This has all the markings of another Computer Killer job, with a few new wrinkles. Kendrick’s throat was cut, but there were deep cuts to each of his femoral arteries. And another thing, there was no attempt by the unsub to gain entry and use a computer. I don’t know if you were aware of it, but Joe Don didn’t even have a computer. The whole thing seems out of character to me, considering the way the other murders went down. This feels unplanned, spur-of-the-moment—even though it was brutally efficient.”

  Neal winced at Carver’s choice of words, and said, “Go on.”

  “Well, my gut tells me that this was a warning. Or a show of complete contempt for the law, and well—maybe you. I think he wants you—and us—to know that he can get to anybody that’s close to Cherry Page, and he’ll stop at nothing.”

  Neal was silent for so long, attempting to process the information, that Carver finally asked, “You there?”

  “Yes,” Neal said quietly. “Barely.”

  “I can understand that. Like I said, Neal, I’m really sorry.”

  “I know you are, John, and thanks.”

  After several seconds, Carver returned to agent mode and asked, “You know how to get here?”

  “Yeah, I know the way. Hold on,” Neal said. He got up from the bed, grabbed a crutch, and hobbled out of the room with the phone, checking to make sure Susan wasn’t listening, and said, “Gimme time to make some kind of arrangement to protect my family, and I’ll be over there as soon as I can.”

  Carver said, “If you know where Chief Cooper and Miss Page are, maybe you’d better let them know what’s going on.”

  “Maybe I’d better,” Neal said, and turned off the phone. He softly closed the bedroom door, and leaning on the crutch, slowly made his way to the kitchen. He debated whether or not to use the coffee machine, worried that the aroma might wake Susan, and decided to settle for a Coke straight from the can. He took one from the refrigerator, sat down on the banquette that looked out on the back pasture, and leaned the crutch against the wall.

  A few early birds sang brightly in the old hardwoods by the barn, and he heard Blue whinny. Neal thought for a moment about how much he missed his Sunday-morning rides.

  He then thought of how devastated he would be if one of his girls or Susan were to become the next victim in the sick game that was coming ever closer to home. His thoughts also turned to the parents of the young ex-football player and how they were going to feel when they heard the horrible news of their son’s death. And finally, he thought of Joe Don, who would never marry or know the joys of fatherhood.

  He resolved yet again that the killer would not get away with these murders, and put out of his mind the many cases that had gone unsolved in the past. This case was personal now, and Neal would not rest until the killer was on Death Row.

  After calling two of his men, and coming to the conclusion that they wouldn’t be able to get out to the farm soon enough to guard his family, Neal gave up on the notion of going to the Brookhaven crime scene. He called Agent Carver and asked Carver to allow him to make a phone call to Joe Don’s parents in Bandera, Texas. Neal didn’t want them to hear the news from an FBI agent, or worse, the media.

  He found the phone number on his computer, then realized it was an hour earlier in Texas, and decided to wait awhile. He had made similar calls as a homicide detective, and dreaded it, but felt he owed it to the big young man, who had become like a son to him in the short time they had known one another. Joe Don was the kind of kid anyone would like to have as a son, and Neal knew that it would be difficult to find someone to replace him at work, and impossible to replace him as a friend.

  He also knew that he would be traveling to Bandera for the funeral, and that he couldn’t leave his family alone. The killer was becoming more out of control by the minute, and the next target might be himself, or one of his loved ones. Someone would have to be there to guard Susan and the girls while he was in Texas, and Neal knew just who that someone was.

  65

  PENNY AND CHERRY DECIDED TO TAKE A WALK DOWN THE BEACH, AND after giving me my pecks on the cheek, they strolled off, heading west, away from town. My stomach was growling since I’d only had coffee for breakfast, so I decided to go in and make myself some eats.

  I opened the front door, found my cell phone, and checked my voice mail. I had a message from Neal: “Hey, bud, sorry to bother you, but … Joe Don’s been murdered. It looks like our freak is strikin’ closer and closer to home, and I feel like my family might be next. Carver is gonna put a rush order on the autopsy—no mystery with what happened—that way, I can fly the body home. I feel like I need to go to the funeral in Texas, so I really need you to come home and watch after my girls… . Of course, if you can’t get here, then I won’t go, but I feel responsible. (A deep sigh.) With my ankle, I’d feel better if you were guardin’ them rather than me, anyway. I don’t feel right about askin’ any of my guys: they don’t get paid enough. Besides, they’re not police officers. Anyway, I’ve booked a flight outta here at seven thirty tonight, so if you could get back here by five or so, I’d appreciate it mucho. I’ll get a car service to take me to the airport, so transportation is no problem. Call me as soon as you get this, and let me know what’s what. Again, I’m sorry to mess up y’all’s plans, but this is important. Tell Penny the next time we get together she can beat me up for ruining her time with you and Cherry. Okay, be safe, and I’ll be lookin’ for you and Cherry late this afternoon. Bye.”

  See what I mean about how quickly paradise can be lost?

  Vacation was obviously over. I wondered why Neal felt he had to go to the funeral, but decided that he must’ve been closer to Joe Don than I had realized. After thinking about it awhile, I figured it was the right thing to do, especially if I was there to look after the Feagin girls. Like he said, Neal wouldn’t be at his best on crutches, and I’m sure he would have asked me to come back even if he wasn’t leaving town. And I would have gone. I also agreed with him about his guys. They were underpaid, weren’t trained, and I might have ended up having to look after them, too.

  The first order of business was to get in touch with Neal, so I called and told him we would be there in time for him to catch his plane. Food was the next order of business, so I went in the kitchen and put six pieces of bacon in a skillet. As it sizzled, I got my stuff together. Penny would be disappointed, but she loves Susan and the girls as much as I do, so I knew she’d understand. In fact, if I tried not to go, she’d tear me a new one.

  I spent the next few minutes packing my bag, flipping the bacon, and scrambling some eggs. I went out on the porch a couple of times to look for Penny and Cherry, but they were still out of sight. After I finished packing and had the bacon draining on paper towels, I went out on the porch and saw them about a hundred yards down the beach.

  I yelled at them to hurry back, waving my arms. Within a minute, they were close enough for me to explain that Cherry and I had to leave. When I filled Penny in on the details, she said of course we had to go, to be careful, and to call as soon as we got there.

  Penny was a real trouper; she put on a cheerful face and helped Cherry pack. She even made us a bunch of sandwiches and filled an old cooler with ice and drinks for the ride.

  As Cherry and I slowly motored up the drive towards the highway, Penny blew us kisses and forced a smile. I waved out the windo
w, and promised myself I’d make it up to her as soon as I returned to Gulf Front.

  Maybe another night on that velvet bedspread in the dunes.

  66

  Reading the ad earlier in the morning newspaper that said: “Southeastern Discount Gun & Knife Show!”

  Under the red headline was a map of downtown Atlanta featuring the Georgia World Congress Center, and the hours and days of the show. Time for another move, and this one was the most important one so far. It was such a fortuitous event for another meeting with a new friend!

  Was it simply dumb luck, the way it had all come together?

  The sunny Friday afternoon was perfect for the get-together, and the evening was sure to be the most fun of the last week by far.

  Walking up to the entrance—there! The one who could be used to move the plan ahead, the one who would become the next and final piece of the puzzle!

  This lamb had a dullness to the eyes that made it clear that there would be no problem manipulating the situation to the desired end.

  Absolutely perfect.

  Walking right up to the chosen one, appearing to be happy about the reunion, making eye contact, shaking hands, smiling. Yes, this was going to be even easier than it looked, and that was saying a lot!

  Remembering the conversation earlier in the week about getting together sometime, guiding the lamb to a display booth specializing in antique revolvers. The dumb lamb-hands selecting a pearl-handled pistol, proffering it.

  It’s nice to come to a show with someone who’s also really interested in guns. Now this is a beauty, and it feels so perfectly balanced, doesn’t it? Is this—is this a pearl handle? I thought so. Yes, I have a pretty extensive collection, I guess you could say.

  Protection? Yes, I have a few for protection as well—I also have a collection of knives. You know, it’s good to have a blade or two around just in case. I’ve been thinking of adding to my knife collection. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come to the show tonight (smile).

  Oh, you have a knife collection too, as well as a gun collection? Interesting! Great minds, I guess. Leading the lamb over to a booth which had knives of every sort laid out on a long table. These knives are works of art, don’t you think so? The craftsmanship is beautiful. I can’t imagine how many hours would go into creating something like this. Oh, really? That sounds like something that I’d really enjoy, watching them actually being made right before my very eyes. That sounds like a trip that would be worth the time and effort, for sure.

  Yes, I know what you mean, people don’t understand the fascination with knives, but I can’t imagine being without mine. A lot of people don’t feel comfortable having guns around, but knives are a different story, if they’d think about it.

  Do you have a large gun collection? Really! That many? You must have to spend a lot of time keeping all of them oiled and clean. Oh, that’s good. Having a housekeeper can really free up your time.

  Walking down the long aisles, chatting, listening as if any of it mattered, pretending that the lamb was a fascinating creature.

  I agree, this was such a good idea! Glad you mentioned your guns before, and glad we came down here. Not having anything special going on tonight, I appreciate meeting up with you again. And it’s also nice to have the chance to relax and unwind after the last couple of days.

  I guess we’re pretty rare. You know how they say there aren’t many Atlantans who were actually born and raised here—-it’s nice to meet another homegrown Atlantan. Oh, yes, I’m proud to be from Atlanta too. It’s so exciting for a single person living alone, but I’m sure you know that.

  I’m sorry, I’m taking up all your time talking when we should be concentrating on the guns. Okay, back to business. Stopping to examine another table loaded with rifles. What do you think of this one? Yes, I see what you mean. It really would be a better choice for utility rather than a collector’s piece. Oh, yes, that one’s more like it. I’ve never seen a rifle as handsome as that, you have excellent taste.

  I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but I really enjoy your company. Are you up for a night out? Great; me, too!

  Well, I’m certainly glad we decided to come down here tonight. Say, after we examine all the guns and knives, how about we go out and have dinner and maybe a drink or two? Do you have a favorite place? Oh, that’s great! I love to listen to a really good live band. Country music? Yeah, I love country music too!

  Is there any chance—now, you tell me if I’m being presumptuous—would you be willing to show me your gun and knife collections? Sure, I’ll show you mine. Maybe tomorrow, if you’re not busy? Oh, yes, I’d love to see your collections tonight, though—you have no idea!

  Okay, let’s get serious here. When we get tired of haggling with the vendors, we can go to the club. I’ll follow you, and after dinner and a couple of drinks, we can go to your place, and you can show me your collections. I’m dying to see them!

  67

  AS SOON AS CHERRY AND I WERE BACK IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA, I called Neal and told him we’d be arriving at the Feagin farm within the hour. Friday-afternoon traffic was brutal, but we pulled into the long drive leading to the Feagin house with time to spare.

  Neal and Cherry finally got to meet face-to-face, and before he headed out to the airport in the chauffeured car he had rented, we all stood and chatted in the big turnaround, Neal on his crutches.

  Cherry shook hands with Neal, then took hold of my hand and said, “Cooper has told me all about you and your beautiful family. He obviously loves you all very much.” She squeezed my hand when she said the word “loves,” and Neal noticed.

  He eyed me with his “You got something going on with this babe?” look, and I shook my head “don’t” when I was sure Cherry wasn’t looking.

  Neal managed to keep from smiling, and asked Cherry, “How’s our boy Cooper treating you? Did y’all have fun in paradise?”

  She said, “Oh, Cooper has been simply wonderful, and Penny is an absolute living doll. I could move to Gulf Front and happily live there forever. It truly is paradise.”

  Neal eyed me again, so I quickly said, “Yeah, it’s paradise most of the time, except we had a little rain.”

  He couldn’t resist, “Well, a little rain can be quite romantic sometimes.” He gave me another loaded look, and I glared back with my “shut the hell up” look.

  Neal managed yet again not to laugh, and said, “It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you, Miss Page, but I wish it was under different circumstances.”

  “I wish so too, Neal, and call me Cherry, will you?”

  Neal smiled and nodded, then said, “I’m not looking forward to this trip to Texas, but—oh, yeah, Coop—Agent Carver is sending three agents over to help out tonight, so be on the lookout for ’em.”

  “Will do,” I said, releasing Cherry’s hand. “I’ll take care of all your women. Just be careful, okay?”

  “Yes sir, Chief. Okay, I better get goin’.”

  With that, Neal shook hands with Cherry again, headed over to the idling car, and clumsily climbed in the backseat. In a moment, he was out of sight, headed to Bandera.

  Inside the big foyer, the Feagin girls were literally in awe of my movie-star boss at first, but after ten minutes at the kitchen table she had them calling her Cherry. Within twenty minutes, they were actually able to talk to her without staring wide-eyed. Susan and Cherry hit it off instantly, just like I knew they would. When Cherry went on and on about the delicious aromas in Susan’s kitchen, the deal was done. I watched and listened as the five females laughed and talked and got to know each other.

  There was still plenty of daylight left, and when the conversation turned to horses, Julie asked if the girls could take Cherry for a ride. I didn’t like the idea of Cherry going off unattended, so I had to be the bad cop and deny all the fun. “Julie—girls—there’s a maniac out there, and he may be closer than we think. No one is riding any horses around here until further notice. Got it?”

 
; In one disappointed but resigned voice, they all said, “Got it,” and the subject was closed. A minute later, the three girls and their new best pal were headed upstairs to do girl stuff.

  After they were out of earshot, Susan said, “She’s really somethin’, isn’t she?”

  I acted as if I didn’t know what she was talking about, “You mean Cherry?”

  “Uh, yeah, I mean Cherry. Who else would I mean?”

  “Just checkin’.”

  We walked into the big living room, each taking an armchair, and Susan continued, “I would think it’s hard for a man like you—or any other man for that matter—to—well—to—what I’m tryin’ to say—”

  I asked, “Just what is it you’re tryin’ to say?”

  She put on her mother hen expression, “I’m sayin’ that Cherry is absolutely gorgeous, and completely attractive in the true sense of the word, that is to say, she attracts people to her. I mean, look at the girls. Shoot, look at me. We all fell in love with her the minute she walked in the door.”

  “And?”

  “And. I could easily understand if a man fell under her spell.” We could hear the girls whooping it up upstairs.

  I said, “So you’re worried that I’ve fallen under Cherry’s spell, and you feel like it’s up to you to bring me to my senses. That it?”

  Susan squirmed, and said, “No, not necessarily that you’ve fallen under her spell. I thought maybe I caught her looking at you with more than friendship in her eyes. It’s really none of my business, but—what am I sayin’? Of course it’s my business! Penny is like a sister to me, or even like one of my own girls, you know that.”

  “Susan. Whatever you thought you saw, you didn’t. Cherry and I are buddies, and Penny loves her to death, and just so you know, Miss Prevost and I have never been closer than we are right at this very minute.”

  “Good.”

  “In fact, just last night, on the beach, we opened that bottle of champagne you gave us, and—let’s just say you would’ve been very happy to know what we were doing when we drank it.”