Delusional

by Terri Breneman

  “Thank you. I’ll see you later.”

  Toni called Boggs to fill her in.

  “Just be careful,” Boggs said. “Make sure you’re never alone with any of the crazy people.”

  Toni laughed. “I think I can handle it, hon. I’ll call you when I get back to the office, okay?”

  “Okay. Once you’ve got the names from Charlie, let Vicky know so she can do a background check on them. Maybe she can have the info by the time they come over tonight. Oh, what are we doing for food?”

  “I didn’t even think about that,” Toni said. “Any ideas?”

  “I think Chinese is out,” Boggs said, chuckling. “I ate it for breakfast and I’m planning on eating it for lunch.”

  “How does spaghetti sound?”Toni tried to think of something warm and comforting, but easy to fix.

  “Oh, wow. That sounds fabulous, but you don’t have time, do you?”

  Toni was well known for her spaghetti and meatballs made from scratch. It took about three hours to make a batch and she only knew how to make a massive amount. It was her mother’s recipe that had taken years to perfect. The recipe card just listed ingredients, no amounts, so she was never really sure how each batch would turn out. After she made the huge pot, she usually froze the rest in small portions, just enough for her and Boggs.

  “I can stop by the house on the way to the shelter and take it out of the freezer. I’m pretty sure there are three containers in there and that should be enough for the five of us, don’t you think? Then on my way home from work I’ll stop and get fresh salad stuff and bread.”

  “That sounds so good,” Boggs said. “That should be enough for all of us. But, I’ll stop at the store, babe. Do you want sweet bread or garlic bread?”

  “Oh, sweetie, that’s perfect. Thank you. And it doesn’t matter which bread you get. Whatever sounds good to you.” Toni thought for a moment. “I know that Vicky loves my spaghetti, but what about Patty and Johnnie? Not everyone likes sweet spaghetti sauce.”

  “Don’t worry about it, babe. But I’ll call them to make sure,” Boggs offered. “And I’m positive they will. If they don’t they can always fill up on bread and beer.”

  “Very funny, but okay. That sounds like a plan.” Toni was a little nervous about having Patty and Johnnie try her sauce for the first time. What if they hate it? And they sit there hungry? She laughed when she realized the absurdity of what she was thinking. There was a maniac wandering around Fairfield and she was worried about someone not liking her cooking? Now who’s crazy? “I’ll call you when I get back to the office,” she said to Boggs. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, babe. And be careful,” Boggs cautioned.

  Toni spent the rest of the morning working on research for an upcoming suppression hearing. As always when she was doing research, the time got away from her. She literally jumped when the phone buzzed.

  “Your mom is on line four, Ms. Barston,” Chloe said.

  Toni glanced at her watch before pushing the button. It was already eleven thirty. “I’m so glad you called, Mom. I completely lost track of time. What’s up?”

  “I’m working on lemon bars today,” her mom announced, not even saying hello. “And I just wanted to know what kind of dessert you want us to bring for Thanksgiving so I can make sure I’ve got that kind done already.”

  Toni’s mom began her holiday baking on November first every year. She would bake one type of goodie each day, all day, until the middle of December. Then she and Toni’s dad would take boxes and put in two or three of each treat to give as gifts. Everything was made from scratch and was absolutely wonderful. Lemon bars were one of Toni’s favorites.

  “I’d love for you to bring a cherry pie, of course,” Toni said. It was another one of her mom’s specialties. “And maybe just a small assortment of whatever you’ve made so far? How would that be? I don’t want you to do too much.”

  “It’s no trouble at all,” her mom insisted. “Your dad and I are making a little extra this year of everything. Are you sure I can’t bring a hot dish? I think you’ll need another veggie, so I’ll bring that green bean casserole that everyone likes. And a relish tray. Oh, and your dad wants pecan pie, so I’ll bring that.”

  “Mom!” Toni interrupted. “You don’t have to bring all that.”

  “Oh, it’s just a few things. Are you sure you’ll have enough? This is your first time having Thanksgiving you know.”

  “Yes, I know, and I’m pretty sure we’ll have enough,” Toni said. “We have a twenty-two pound turkey that I’ll roast on Thanksgiving Day and a twenty pound one that I’ll fix the day before. We also have a huge ham and I’m making a double batch of broccoli-rice casserole. Boggs is in charge of the mashed potatoes and gravy. Oh, she’s also making cauliflower surprise casserole.”

  “That’s not enough,” her mom insisted.

  “And everyone who is coming is bringing something, so we’ll be fine,” Toni said.

  “As long as you’re sure,” her mom said. “But I’m going to bring the ingredients to make the stuffing. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have it. And maybe dressing also. Since you have that wonderful double oven, I’m bringing the ingredients to make oyster dressing.” Her mother seemed to be thinking out loud. “Okay, I have to get back to baking. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.”

  Toni grinned. “I love you, too, Mom. Tell Dad I said howdy and not to eat all the peanut clusters.”

  Her mom was laughing as she hung up.

  Toni had just enough time to heat up some leftover fried rice in the lunchroom before heading out. She stopped at home and was relieved to find three containers of spaghetti sauce in the freezer. She set them on the counter and Mr. Rupert appeared at her feet.

  “Hiya, buddy. Just getting out food for dinner.”

  He jumped up to investigate, pushing one of the containers with his head.

  “Don’t you dare push that off the counter, young man.” She moved the frozen sauce to the back. “How about a Scooby snack to take your mind off of this?” She got some cat treats out of the drawer and made a small pile for him. She took a few more and put them on the island for Little Tuffy. “I expect to see the sauce exactly where I left it when I get home,” she said to the boys. “If not, you’re both grounded. Mr. Rupert, you are in charge.” She rubbed his head before heading back to her car.

  Toni pulled into the parking lot of Help Services at exactly twelve thirty. Charlie was standing next to the receptionist’s desk when she walked inside. She strode across the waiting room and extended her hand. “Good to see you again, Charlie.”

  Charlie shook her hand, smiling. She felt herself bristle at his touch. What’s that about? She shook off the feeling and concentrated on her task.

  “Nice to see you,” Charlie said. “I’d like you to meet Clara, our receptionist.”

  Toni turned and shook her hand. “Very nice to meet you.” She looked back to Charlie. “Thanks for giving me a tour of your center.”

  He nodded. “Absolutely. Of course the catch is that you’ll like what you see and donate at one of our fundraisers.”

  “Sounds fair to me,”Toni said.She gave a small wave to Clara, who was now on the phone, as Charlie led her to his office. He gave her a general description of the services they provided on the way. Once inside, he pointed to an empty chair before taking a seat behind his desk.

  “As you know,” he began, “I can’t violate the confidentiality of our clients here. But since I used to be a cop, I understand your concern. Those guys who look in windows are disgusting, and I hope you catch the son of a bitch. There was a guy on the west side that we were after for almost a year. We didn’t catch him until he actually broke into a house and assaulted a young woman. It made me sick, but we got him.”

  Toni listened as Charlie told one story after another. Why didn’t he do this with Vicky, and why is he giving me the creeps? After nearly thirty minutes, she took the opportunity to stop hi
m. “I’m so glad you understand our predicament, Charlie. Could you show me around and introduce me to some of your clients? Maybe you could just give me the full names of a few, if that’s okay with you?”

  Charlie grinned. “Good idea. Some of the guys I’ll just introduce you and tell you their first name. Perfect.”

  Most of the clients were working in the kitchen area, cleaning up after lunch. A few were relaxing in the game room. After the complete tour, Toni had three names. When Charlie had given her the full name of a man, she made sure she talked to him for at least five minutes, trying to get an idea of his personality. Back in Charlie’s office, she jotted down the names, making sure she had the correct spelling. “Thank you so much, Charlie. And let me know when your next fundraiser will be.”

  “Sure, my pleasure. Maybe you and your husband can come to one of our trivia nights.”

  “Oh, I’m not married,” she said. Toni saw a flicker of confusion on Charlie’s face and his smile disappeared. It took her only a moment to understand, and a moment longer to confirm her suspicion as she glanced around his office.

  “Jake and I are very close,” she confided to Charlie in a whisper. She saw the smile return to his face. “And I’m very hopeful.” She gave him a smile and glanced at her watch. “Oh, I’ve got to get back to the office. Thanks again for all your help.” She debated her next move for just a moment. “And here’s my card in case you think of anything that might be helpful. Call me anytime.”

  Charlie took the card and nodded. “I hope you find the guy. And here’s a flyer about our trivia night. I hope to see you and Jake there.”

  Toni took the flyer, thanked him again and headed back to her car. “Well, that clears a few things up,” she muttered to herself as she drove out of the lot. She called Vicky and gave her the names, telling her she’d fill her in tonight. She left the same message for Boggs. Toni was still mumbling to herself and shaking her head when she pulled into the parking garage at Metro.

  She barely had enough time to get the files out of her office before literally running to the courtroom for several detention hearings. Only one of those was seriously contested and she spent well over twenty minutes arguing back and forth with the defense attorney. The judge finally ruled in her favor and she was able to make it back to her office by three o’clock.

  It was nearly four thirty when she finished the paperwork she had piled on her desk. She checked her calendar for tomorrow and got a few things ready before heading home.

  She was warming the spaghetti and meatballs on the stove when Boggs came home. She kissed Toni, then unloaded three loaves of bread and pre-made salad from the reusable grocery bag. Toni handed her a beer from the fridge.

  “Thanks, babe.” She took several gulps. “Your message said you figured out Charlie. What’s up?”

  “He’s an ass,” Toni said matter-of-factly after taking a sip of Boggs’s beer. “Run up and change and I’ll fill you in once the others are here.”

  “I see we’re dressing up for company,” Boggs said, grinning.

  Toni was wearing red plaid flannel sleep pants, a red Chiefs sweatshirt and red moccasin type slippers. “Yes. I think it’s very important to make a good impression on guests.” She laughed. “Don’t you like my outfit?”

  “I think you look adorable.” Boggs wrapped her arms around Toni and kissed her passionately. “I wish they weren’t coming over,” she whispered.

  Toni leaned back, but then pulled her girl close and hugged her. “I love how much we love each other. We’ll kick them out early, okay?”

  Boggs nodded and returned a few minutes later wearing an Air Force sweatshirt, sweatpants and white fuzzy slippers. She pointed to her ensemble and Toni grinned.

  Boggs had just finished putting out placemats and plates on the kitchen island when the doorbell rang. Looking at the security monitor, they both saw Vicky waving at them, holding up a six-pack of beer.

  “I guess we should let her in,” Toni said.

  Johnnie and Patty were walking up the sidewalk as Toni opened the front door. “Dinner will be ready in just a minute. Come on in, you guys.”

  They hung their coats on the pegs in the foyer and followed Toni into the kitchen.

  “Wow,” Patty said. “That smells wonderful.”

  “I sure hope you like it,” Toni said. “Not everyone likes sweet sauce.”

  “Nice slippers, Boggs.” Johnnie snickered.

  Boggs ignored her. She had just finished slicing the bread and dipped a piece in the sauce. She handed it to Patty. “Here. See what you think.”

  Patty blew on the bread and took a small bite. It took only a moment before her eyes got big. “Yum!” She tore off the other end of her bread and dipped it in again. This time she handed the bread to Johnnie.

  “Damn, Toni,” Johnnie said while still chewing. “That’s the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “I’m so glad. Sit down, everyone.” She took their drink orders and gave each one a beer, then put the pasta on to boil. Boggs took care of the salad.

  After they had stuffed themselves with meatballs, salad and bread,Toni gave them fresh drinks and sent them to the basement. She felt so good that they had all enjoyed her spaghetti. She only wished that the reason for the gathering was something other than tracking a serial killer. She put the plates in the dishwasher and left the rest to deal with later. Grabbing herself another beer from the fridge, she headed downstairs to join the others.

  “So what did you find out about Charlie?” Vicky asked as soon as she sat. “Then I’ll fill you all in on what I know.”

  “He’s a homophobe,” Toni said. “And an ass. He gives me the creeps. He thought I was married to Jake and when I said I wasn’t, his whole attitude changed. It was almost comical if it weren’t so pathetic. I noticed a bunch of religious stuff in his office, so I decided to play it straight and he instantly came back around. I’m positive that’s why he hardly spoke to you, Vicky. It’s no secret that you’re out.”

  Vicky nodded. “Makes sense to me. What an asshole.”

  “Why would he think you’re married to Jake?” Johnnie asked.

  “I guess because he saw us together at Phil’s Deli yesterday,” Toni said. “We stopped by the booth and I introduced him to Charlie. I guess he just assumed.”

  “So, did he tell you old war stories?” Vicky asked.

  “Sure did. Just like you guys described. And he gave me all kinds of advice on how to catch our Peeping Tom.”

  “Peeping Tom?” Patty looked confused.

  “We told him that’s why we were looking at his van,” Vicky said. “It was seen near where a Peeping Tom was bothering women.”

  “So with this ruse, I think I’m the best go-between with Charlie,” Toni said. “Unfortunately, he’s more likely to cooperate if he thinks I’m straight. I don’t like to pretend, but as long as we need his help, so be it.” She sighed. “So what about last night’s attempt?” she asked. “Same thing? And how is she doing?”

  “As far as we can tell,” Vicky said, “it’s the same. Her name is Amy Judge and she works at that little hardware store near Peach Tree Park. She lives alone in a small duplex. The woman who lives on the other side came over and pounded on the door. She didn’t hear a thing from Amy’s side, but she was having a huge fight with her boyfriend and needed to talk to Amy immediately. Apparently, she does this all the time. Anyway, she knew Amy was in there and after pounding for a few seconds, she let herself in with her key. Amy was duct taped to the kitchen chair and was unconscious. The syringe was on the floor and the back door was wide open. Unfortunately, no one saw anything.”

  “Is she still unconscious?” Toni asked.

  “Yes,” Vicky replied. “I talked to Claire just before I got here, and there’s been no change. She’s in a coma from the insulin. The first twenty-four hours are the most critical, and if she does wake up, she could have cognitive, neurological and emotional problems.”

  Toni shook her head. “Ho
w the hell is he finding these people?” She set her beer on the coffee table and began pacing around the room. “He must have a list or a specific pool of victims. At least in his head.” She rounded the pool table. “But what kind of list is it and where is he coming up with the names? It’s not like we have a registry or something.”

  “You mean like the Gay Yellow Pages?” Patty asked.

  “We sure as hell aren’t listed,” Boggs said. “And yet this guy has killed three people who were either gay or the parent of a gay and almost killed another. You’re right, Toni. Where’s he getting his information?”

  “Even the FBI doesn’t have a list like that,” Johnnie added.

  Toni continued to walk around the room. “Lists. Lists. Lists.” She stopped dead in her tracks. “How many of you are members of the Fairfield Human Rights Campaign? You know, signed up at Pridefest to get a free T-shirt?”

  Everyone in the room slowly raised her hand.

  Toni shrugged. “Worth a shot, don’t you think? Can you get a copy of their roster or whatever?” she asked Vicky.

  “Legally, I’d need a subpoena,” Vicky said as she pulled out her phone. “But lucky for us, I used to date the treasurer.”

  “Who haven’t you dated?” Johnnie snickered.

  Vicky flipped her off and went over to the pinball machine for some privacy. Toni returned to her spot on the couch.

  Ten minutes later Vicky rejoined the group. “She’s e-mailing me the list now.”

  “Let’s go up to the study so you can print it out,” Boggs said.

  They came back down with several copies and handed them out. Patty was the first one to finish scanning the list. “Yup, you were right. All of them are on this list.” She took a long drink of her beer. “And so are we. Except for you, Toni. How come?”

  “I’m not?” She thought for a moment. “Oh, I guess I was a bit of a mess at Pride last summer, remember?” She laughed. She’d gone undercover that day and never had a chance to stop at all the booths. “And I guess I didn’t renew this fall. Probably because we moved and I didn’t get the notice. I suppose the T-shirt I’ve been wearing belongs to Boggs.” She looked at her copy of the list. “But there are at least two hundred names here. How is he picking?”