Lies in the Morgue

by Erosa Knowles

Helen frowned. “How long is that going to take? He has a fever.”

  “You gave him something for it before you left, right?”

  She nodded.

  “It’ll hold him for a while. I’m not arguing with you on this. We’re not going to a hospital in North Carolina.”

  She rubbed Kevin’s forehead, it didn’t seem as hot, or maybe that was wishful thinking. Her hand slipped into her pant pocket and rested on the gun. One thing for sure, if Kevin died before they reached the hospital, she and Vince would join him.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  During Max’s recovery Tamara worked half-days at her office and the rest at home so she could help him get around. Today, she took him to Reclamation. He hadn’t been there in over a week and she knew he was past due. It didn’t take long for her to realize Max was Reclamation. The club, the life it provided, was his second chance and he embraced it wholeheartedly. She pulled up to the back door so it’d be easier for him to navigate with his crutches. Doc would probably be mad that Max was moving around so much after a week, but she hadn’t been able to stop him.

  No one could’ve stopped him from watching Sasha in the DA’s office earlier this week, or prevented him from attending critical planning sessions at Nick’s office. They’d done all they could do, and waited for the call from a hospital or urgent care facility about new strep patients.

  This break was her gift to him. He needed to be around his friends, men and women he considered family.

  He stepped out and pulled one crutch beneath his arm. Her brow rose at what she considered heroics on his part. Rather than call him out, she asked a question. “Do you have enough pain pills, the ones that don’t make you dizzy?”

  Max patted his pocket, pulled out a small pill bottle, and nodded as he returned it. “Yeah.”

  “Okay, I’ll go park and meet you inside.”

  He nodded and waited until she drove off. She glanced in the rear view mirror and smiled at him finding his balance with the one crutch. Stubborn man.

  The parking area was full as always, so she parked in Max’s spot, and stepped out the car. “God please let Max find his son and please, please, please, let Kevin be okay,” she whispered before straightening her figure-hugging dress and walking to the door Max had just entered. He leaned against the wall, breathing hard.

  Over the past few days she’d learned not to offer help when it came to his physical challenges. She waited until his breathing normalized.

  “You ready?” he asked her as if she’d been the one causing the delay.

  “Yeah,” she said and moved to the side.

  “That dress looks good on you. Hope none of the old timers have a heart attack.” He took her hand in his free one and they moved at his pace into the club.

  “Hungry?” she asked, instead of asking if his chest or thigh hurt from the crutch.

  “I might be able to eat a bite of meatloaf if Charlie’s got some back there. We’ll check after we get a seat.” She noticed his movements were slower, beads of sweat dotted his brow, but he never stopped for a breather.

  “Hooyah!!” A few vets yelled when he entered the main area. Followed by another cry, “Hoah.” And then, “Ooah. And, “Hey Chief!”

  Smiling, Max dropped her hand and waved. She assumed he’d stop to get his balance, he didn’t. He kept waving and moving until he reached a table that allowed his back to face the wall. After taking his seat, he held court. There was no other way to explain the many men and women who came to their table wishing him a fast recovery, offering services that ranged from cleaning his house to chauffeuring him around, to offering to kick someone’s ass on his behalf. Tamara sat next to him, amazed by the camaraderie these men and women had with each other.

  “Nah… I don’t want you to buy me a drink. I’m on medication, can’t drink,” Max said after the twentieth offer. “Give me a rain check, I’ll cash it in a coupla’ weeks.”

  “That’s a deal,” the much older man said as he slapped Max on the shoulder, nodded at her, and left the table.

  Crystal placed a sweet tea in front of Max and a margarita in front of Tamara. “Hey… she’s driving,” Max complained, pointing at her drink.

  “Won’t matter by the time you two get outta here. Want me to send you over some nachos, wings, anything?” Crystal asked while looking Max over.

  Max looked at Tamara. “You want something or just want to order dinner?”

  “Dinner,” she said, knowing he hadn’t had anything substantial all day.

  “Tell Charlie to send me meatloaf.” Brow raised, he looked at Tamara.

  “I’ll have smothered chicken and rice.”

  Crystal nodded and left.

  “I need to check on my house,” Max said.

  She slapped her hand over her mouth to stop the drink from spewing forward. “What?”

  “I have an apartment near the club and own a house in Clayton.”

  Tamara stared at him. “I didn’t know that.”

  Max met her gaze. “I know. After we leave here, I’d like to go check on it, maybe sleep over. We can play it by ear.”

  The surprises kept coming. She cleared her throat. “Is that where you lived with Carin?” She didn’t mention Kevin, although the two would certainly go together.

  “Yeah. Haven’t been there in a while. I let the guys use it from time to time when they’re flying in for a job or visit. With everything going on, I need to go and check on it.”

  Tamara nodded with the realization he placed a lot of hope on finding his son this time, otherwise why mention it?

  “If that’s what you want, we can do that.”

  He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, appreciate it.”

  She took a sip of her drink while mulling over what he didn’t say. Clayton was over an hour from her house, maybe more with traffic. Obviously he planned to return home with Kevin, and he should. His son would need his undivided attention. Getting together would be harder, but not impossible.

  “Hi Max, it’s so good to see you,” Beth said as she walked to the table holding two plates piled high with steaming food.

  “Whoa… Beth. It’s good to see you, too. I heard you were sticking around for a spell and working next door. How you been?” He leaned back while she placed a plate in front of him, and accepted her one-armed hug.

  Tamara looked at her food and took another sip of margarita while Max and Beth caught up.

  “It’s good to see you too, Tamara.” Beth walked to the other side and hugged her. “Glad to see both of you looking good.”

  “It’s good to see you, too. Congratulations on your man and the job.”

  Beth smiled big. “Thankie…thankie, he’s my real reason for staying. Claims I don’t have to work, but I’m not depending on no man, not even one with a purple heart, to take care of me. Learned my lesson ‘bout that long time ago. God blesses the child who has her own I always say.” She inhaled and looked from Tamara to Max. “You two need anything else?”

  Tamara picked up her fork and held it in front of her. “No, I’m good. Max?”

  He had started eating and shook his head. After he swallowed, he spoke. “I’m good.”

  “Terri finally left yesterday morning. Poor thing lost both her jobs. Should be back in a few days with Mickey and our things, if Donnie don’t put up too much of a fuss.” She looked at Tamara. “Donnie’s Mickey’s daddy and Terri’s ex. Never got married, neither of my girls did, like me in that regard. Got no use for the shackles of marriage, the only people who benefit from that institution is the divorce attorneys.”

  Tamara put a forkful of food into her mouth to keep from commenting. Marriage with the right person was heaven on earth. She had seen it with her parents before her dad died. She still remembered the days her dad would bring surprises home for her mom, he called her beautiful and complimented her all the time. Seeing her parents snuggle, hold hands and engage in long kisses was common in her home. She thought it was the norm until
she got married.

  The disaster with Eugene hadn’t soured her on marriage, it just made her more careful.

  “Let me know when they get back.” Max continued eating.

  “Will do.” Beth waved and walked off.

  “That woman talks too fast,” Max said, picking up his glass of sweet tea.

  Tamara nodded instead of asking him what he thought of marriage, and if he would ever consider it. They finished the meal with small talk and meaningless observations. Every now and then someone would walk into the club, get word that Max was on the premises, and make their way to the table.

  She’d pushed her plate away when Charlene approached. “It was delicious as always,” Tamara said as Charlene sat in front of them.

  “Glad you enjoyed it.” Her gaze zeroed in on Max, flicked down to his cane, and then looked back at him. “How are you doing?” She slid Max the bill so he could sign it for accounting.

  “I’m hanging in there, Charlie.” Max signed, looked at the time stamp to be sure the clock in the kitchen had been synced correctly, and slid it back.

  Charlene twisted her lips at the name he called her. “Your eyes look like you’re in pain.”

  Max didn’t respond.

  He stared at Charlene until she shook her head, leaned forward and whispered. “Stubborn man. There’s nothing wrong with taking something for pain.”

  “The food was great, Charlie. Tamara and I appreciate it. We’ve got some things to do, so excuse us.” He pushed his chair back, leaned to the side and picked up his cane.

  With an exasperated sigh, Charlene looked at Tamara. “Do you need a bottle of water for the car?”

  She glanced at Max’s tight expression and exhaled. “I think I have some, thanks.”

  Max stood next to the table and waved at a few people who yelled good-bye. Tamara saw the fine lines around his eyes and mouth, and knew he needed to take a pill. She stood next to him, took his hand and started walking.

  He laughed and pointed at her. “My lady’s ready to go, I’ll see you guys later. Buy plenty of food and drinks, I have to keep her happy.”

  Tamara shook her head at his corny jokes and the crazy advice men yelled at him as they walked slowly toward the private hall leading to the outside. As soon as the door closed between the club and the hall, Tamara stopped so Max could rest. Eyes closed, he leaned against the wall, took a few deep breaths and then opened his eyes.

  His jaw clenched and unclenched. “I need a pill.”

  “You want it now or in the car?”

  “Now.”

  She pulled the bottle from his pocket, opened it and handed him two pills. Breathing hard, he swallowed the capsules and rested his head against the wall. She waited until he signaled he was ready. Holding hands, they left the club and headed toward the car. Max leaned against her fender, pulled her into his arms and held her close. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. His large palms rubbed up and down her back, warming her.

  “I’m a lucky man, and I know it,” he said, holding her close, and then placed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re a good woman, a good woman,” he murmured against her hair, squeezed her tight, and then released her. She waited for him to say something about their future or his feelings, anything, but he didn’t. Backing away, she pressed the button on the remote to unlock the car and walked around to the driver side, more confused than before.

  An hour later, Tamara pulled into the driveway of Max’s home. From the outside it looked larger than hers. He opened the door and got out, this time he used both crutches. Since he’d drank two bottles of water and taken another pill during the quiet drive, she assumed he felt better. Maybe she was wrong.

  “Let me get my keys, I’ll need you to turn off the alarm, it’s in the kitchen near the garage. I won’t make it in time.”

  She nodded, and was pleased he'd dropped all pretense that he was at a hundred percent. “No problem. She moved closer and walked behind him to the porch. When they reached the front door Max bent forward and shook his head. “Someone’s been here. I can’t tell how long ago, but they tried to kick in the door and then messed with the locks.” He pointed to the footprints on the door and then unlocked it.

  She looked at the heavy metal door with kick plates and the additional hardware on the deadbolt area and understood. Several of her clients asked for information on additional security, when things settled down, she’d pick Max’s brain and pass that information along. Before opening the door, he spoke over his shoulder and gave her the code.

  “When I open the door, walk straight ahead until you get to the end, and turn left, that’s the kitchen. The alarm panel is on the wall next to the door leading into the garage.”

  “Okay.”

  He shoved his sunglasses on his head, bent forward and brushed his lips across hers. “Thanks, sexy lady.” He opened the door. A series of beeps prompted her to move. Once she was in the kitchen, she followed his instructions and turned off the alarm. She returned while he locked the front door.

  Max took Tamara’s hand and pulled her close. Brock, Charlene, Crystal, even Mark, all praised how well she'd stepped in and helped while he was down. He placed a kiss on the back of her hand and stared into her eyes. She realized he missed the club, being around men and women who’ve seen action and took him there tonight.

  The energy in Reclamation was unlike any other place. The people there accepted the wild, primal aspect of his nature and nurtured it. They related because they shared similar traits. Someone always shared information on new weapons, or new fighting techniques, or had a story to tell about the front-line, or shared the loss of friends and comrades. He never knew what he’d find when he stepped inside the place, but there was always something a part of him connected with. And she’d noticed he’d missed it without him saying a word.

  He pushed her hair behind her ears and leaned forward. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered, as though seeing her for the first time. Her liquid brown eyes widened and she leaned into him.

  “Thank you. When you look at me like that… it’s hard to explain, but I like it.”

  He placed his palm on the side of her face and kissed her, soft at first. “You care about people, about me. I can tell and it makes me happy to be with you,” he said, and cursed his ability to express with words how he felt when they were together.

  Her arms tightened around his waist and she placed a kiss on his chest.

  “Let me show you the house.”

  “Sit down and get off your leg, I’ll see it later.”

  Although the pills took care of the pain, the swelling in his thigh hadn’t gone down yet. “Over here. It’s big enough for both of us.” He directed her to a large burgundy sofa he’d bought a few years back because the salesperson swore the microfiber material would be easy to clean.

  Max eased down and placed his crutches to the side before stretching out. Once settled, he offered her his hand. She lay beside him, fitting him perfectly. One kiss led to another, hotter kiss and then another until he missed the ringing of the phone.

  Tamara broke from his kiss. “Your phone’s ringing.”

  Max stilled. His heartbeat increased as he pulled out the phone. “Yeah?”

  “Where are you?” Nick asked.

  “I’m at my house in Clayton.” He wondered what happened.

  “Where were you an hour to two hours ago?”

  “Reclamation, eating dinner, why?”

  “Someone broke into Sasha Loils' house again and attacked her. She’s in emergency surgery now. The only reason she’s alive is a deliveryman rang the bell, and instead of leaving the package flat on the porch, he leaned it against the door and it opened. He saw the men and ran to his truck while calling it in. They took off, he didn’t get their tag info, but he saved her life. Vargas called me right before Janis. She’s spitting mad right now, and feels she let this woman down somehow.”

  Max closed his eyes, feeling sorry for the woman. �
�Me and my team, we don’t operate that way. We had nothing to do with that.”

  “Are you sure? Can you say with absolute certainty that none of your men would go after this woman for what she did to you?” Nick asked.

  Max didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I can say that. We operate by a code of honor and a set of rules. Assaulting someone weaker goes against everything we live by. It wasn’t one of my men who attacked this woman. I’m certain of that.”

  “Good, I’ll pass it on to Janis. Because of the case, a few investigators may drop by the club to verify you were there.”

  “No problem.” He thought of the meal he signed for, it had a time stamp.

  “When she comes out of surgery, Janis plans to question her. We’ll wait to see if she’s still blaming you for everything or if she’ll come clean. Have you heard anything from the hospitals?”

  “Not yet.” He ran his hand up and down Tamara’s arm, enjoying the feel of her against him.

  “I’m wishing the best. Take care.”

  “Nick?” Tamara asked after he placed the phone on the nearby table.

  “Yeah.” Max told her the news about Sasha.

  “Oh my God, that’s twice. Someone broke into her home twice and assaulted her, sending her to the hospital. No one deserves that, not even if she’s covering for that woman.

  “True.”

  “If I was her, I’d move.”

  Max nodded as he wondered if there was a connection between this new assault and the dropping of the assault charges against him. Possibly.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Tamara returned from the bathroom and looked at Max lying on the sofa. He looked so sexy, so peaceful, and even with his leg bothering him. She’d offered to sit in the chair so he could have more room to stretch. But he wasn’t having it.

  A half hour earlier the meds had finally worked their magic allowing him to rest. She wished she could fall asleep as easily. Thoughts of their future or lack of future, kept her on edge. Instead of returning to the sofa, she walked around, looking at the pictures of Kevin, and a few of Max and Brock on the walls.