by Gerald Lopez
“I don’t think Lorena’s friend is Mexican though,” Bart said.
“That’s probably why she was the one trying to make the deal, and not one of the underlings,” Simon said.
“So what the hell do we do now?” Frank said. “Is this old lady the one cooking up these cocktails? Does she have the connections to be ‘top dog’?”
“Alstair, do you think they could be working for Marcus without his wife’s knowledge, or maybe they’re working for his brother,” Bart said.
“It’s hard to say,” Alstair said. “The whole operation is sloppy, but that could be why Gabriel was sent here. As a sign that his father had his eye on things. It helps that Gabriel is completely unaware of his father’s business dealings. That way, he seems aloof and above the ‘small-time’ dealers. It makes his father seem even stronger than he already is.”
“Then we have to try our best to learn something at the viewing tomorrow, when the big shots are gathered together there,” Bart said. “What had you so nervous, Simon? You knew all about the brothers possible involvement.”
“This may sound crazy, but I was scared we might be dealing with a Hispanic mafia, and they were gonna put a hit out on me.”
“It may not be a mafia,” Bart said. “But what if the Hispanics in the area, or at least some of them, are in this together? There’s a certain amount of power in that sort of unity. All it would take is someone to unite them. Someone that was mad as hell at the people in this area, and wanting to do some major payback… while raking in the cash. Or to put it a better way, two somebodies, perfectly placed to do what they’ve been doing.”
“And one of whom has been hot and heavy for the other for years,” Simon said. “Joe and Lorena! And it would’ve been easy for them to give poor Jorge—I mean George, some of those funky-ass cocktails.”
“All that’s needed is to set a trap for them,” Reese said, then noticed everyone looking at him. “How else do you expect to catch the bad guys?”
“If it is Lorena and Joe, and they’re doing this without the brothers knowing, things will be bad,” Alstair said. “They won’t be allowed to continue using the chupa, and there will be a very high price to pay for what they did.”
“How high a price?” Simon said.
“Most of the people involved will have to die to set an example for the others,” Alstair said
“How can they kill all those people and get away with it?” Reese said.
“Marcus and his people own the police here,” Alstair said. “They can cover things up very easily. Besides, who would miss a bunch of maids and a valet.”
“How do we minimize the damage?” Frank said.
“We get Gabriel’s uncle involved,” Alstair said. “The one who will be taking over for his father. Not his Uncle Marcus. The uncle will take out the heads of this chupa organization and some of the workers… enough to keep the others from trying anything like this again. They’ll also find out who has been supplying the chupa from their country, and kill them and their entire family.”
“That’s minimizing the damage?” Frank said.
“Oh it is, believe me,” Alstair said. “Things will be contained. And that’s the best you can hope for in this situation.”
“What about me and Julia?” Simon said. “Julia had nothing to do with anything. She tried to keep an eye out for Rachel, that’s all. It was me that was dealing for her, but I swear Julia had nothing to do with that, Alstair.”
“You and Julia were forced into helping Rachel, and that’s well known,” Alstair said. “No harm will come to either of you.”
“Are you like a mafia guy, or something, Alstair?” Reese said.
“Oh my God, Reese,” Simon said. “Don’t ask him that.”
“It’s alright,” Alstair said. “I’m not mafia. I really do help James at his resort. But a while back, Gabriel asked me to keep an eye on things for him when James came here. His father was interested in this area, and that made Gabriel nervous. Gabriel’s uncle is a tough, but decent man from what I’ve seen. Whatever he does here will not be out of cruelty. But he will have to make a point, because of the chupa. And people will die. If Gabriel’s father is involved, there will be a massacre, because of how sloppily things with the chupa have been handled.”
“Either way, blood will be spilled and people will die,” Frank said.
Chapter 62
Coming up with a plan
“ENOUGH ABOUT blood,” Reese said. “Who do we think is really in charge of the chupa operation?”
“My bet’s on the Hispanics trying to go freelance,” Simon said.
“If that’s true, then I wasted my time getting chummy with Mr. Orion,” Bart said.
“I’d rather it be the Hispanics than the brothers,” Frank said. “Why don’t we try to set a trap, for whoever it is, when they come for more supplies?”
“You mean, when they come back to the salon,” Simon said. “If they come back to the salon.”
“Do they know they’ve been found out?” Reese said.
“No news has been leaked about the chemicals used in the chupa cocktails, so there’s nothing to worry about there,” Bart said. “Since all of us in this room are now working together, I have something I need to say.”
The ones who didn’t already know Bart’s true identity, were surprised at his news. But all agreed, it was a clever way for him and his cohorts, Frank and Jenna, to infiltrate the resort in order to get information.
“Needless to say, we still need to refer to Bart as Jeremy, for the time being,” Frank said.
“Do James and Gabriel know the truth about Bart?” Alstair said.
“Not yet,” Bart said. I trust them both, but it may be better not to tell Gabriel anything until after the viewing. That way, he can deal with his father without having anything else on his mind.”
“I understand and agree,” Alstair said.
“All we need to do is let the cleaning crew or housekeeping staff overhear one of us saying the salon and spa received a new shipment. We hide, lay in wait for them to make their move, and voila,” Simon said.
“That’s actually not a bad plan,” Bart said. “Reese, you can spread the news about the shipment, maybe even find a big box or something to put in the spa while we’re at the viewing tomorrow.”
“I can do that,” Reese said.
“Let’s see if we can arrange things for tomorrow night, so we can get this over with already,” Bart said.
“I’ll say that Julia asked me to keep an eye out for a late shipment arriving tomorrow, in case she’s not back from the viewing,” Reese said. “That’ll make sense.”
“Just don’t make it obvious,” Simon said. “All you have to do is make sure to say it in front of the right person.”
“Who would that be?” Reese said.
“Just find the biggest gossip, and say it in front of her,” Bart said.
“Him,” Alstair said. “The biggest gossip on staff is Mr. Gonzalez. I’ll be around, just in case Reese needs a hand spreading the news.”
“Hang on,” Frank said. “I just thought of something. Why was Mr. Orion getting all that money once a week? Maybe the brothers are involved, and he was part of things with them.”
“Mr. Orion had several investments in his country, as well as properties he collected rent on,” Alstair said. “The money was probably from those things.”
“And don’t forget, he did invest in the chupa business, and was getting money from that as well,” Simon said.
There was a knock on the door.
“Who the hell is it now?” Simon said.
Bart walked to the window, looked out, turned back to the others with a surprised look on his face, then spoke.
“It’s a nun.”
“Don’t open the door,” Simon said in a hushed tone, before walking to the window and peeking outside.
“We’re not decent in here, Sister,” Bart said toward the door. “How can I help you?”
“A lovely woman, by the name of Julia, was kind enough to let me into your complex, so I could deliver this note from a gentleman named Mr. Orion, who visited my church recently,” the nun said. “I’ve not opened it, as instructed.”
Bart saw an envelope being slid under his door and picked it up.
“Good evening,” the nun said. “And may God bless you all.”
“She’s leaving,” Simon said.
“Be careful with the envelope, it could be poisoned somehow,” Frank said.
Bart opened the envelope, then addressed the group.
“It is from Mr. Orion. I’ll read it out loud.”
Dear friend,
Thank you so much for helping me find my way back to God. I’m afraid a disgraced old friend in trouble with the police wouldn’t be enough to bring my old friends together again, so I decided to give you a helping hand. Suicide is a sin in the Catholic Church, so I called a sniper friend to lend me a hand. He doesn’t exist in this country, which means he can’t be found. I know Marcus very well, and he’ll have things here hushed up anyway… with bribes to the proper people.
Hopefully, my death can be of help to you. I’ve no doubt the brothers will come together to see me off. If it matters, I’ve made arrangements to have all of my properties and holdings split amongst the young men, whom I so cruelly damaged. I know it can’t erase the evil I did to them, but they deserve to have my worldly goods more than anyone else.
Sincerely,
Ernesto
There was silence in the room, then Simon spoke. “That old guy probably left them a lot of dough and property.”
“I’d rather be poor than get money because of having been raped as a kid,” Reese said.
“How’s Baby Face Mac doing, Simon?” Bart said, throwing the envelope and letter on the living room table, and going to the kitchen sink to wash his hands.
“He’s pissed off at me, because of how messy things got. But now I can tell him it wasn’t my fault.”
“What’re we supposed to feel for Mr. Orion?” Reese said. “He’s dead, but he wasn’t a good man. And I don’t feel like crying because he’s dead.”
“None of us were friends with the guy,” Simon said.
“It’s like Bart told me,” Frank said. “The guy was damaged goods. We can feel bad about what happened to him as a child, and be glad that it seems like he’s finally at peace. Then we leave it at that, and try not to think about it again.”
“That’s the smart way to think about it,” Alstair said. “Meanwhile, I can use another slice of pizza.”
Simon was looking at his cell phone. “Julia’s finally texted me, and mentioned the nun coming up here. When I see Julia again, I’ll be sure to say: ‘Thanks, honey, if she’d been a mafia killer, we’d all be dead by now.’”
“She’s had a hard day helping out at the hospital, Simon,” Bart said. “Let it slide.”
“I know… well actually, I didn’t know about that, or your true identity until you told us a few minutes ago,” Simon said. “Ah, none of it matters. You’re alright, and Julia’s alright too. She’s better than alright, actually. It’s time for me to settle down and be the man she deserves. Albeit, a somewhat poorer man. Hell, I don’t think she’ll even care.”
“Probably not,” Bart said. “She loves you.”
“Speaking of love,” Frank said. “I’m sure you and Simon will ‘love’ attending that viewing tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you coming, Frank?” Simon said.
“I wasn’t invited. Anyway, I’m going to be here keeping an eye on the resort’s cameras. We’re fixing to snare us a couple of big rats in our trap.”
Chapter 63
The Real Drama Begins
AFTER STRAIGHTENING his navy blue suit jacket and brushing off his pants, Bart walked downstairs to wait by the entrance of the employee apartment complex for Simon and Julia. Simon would be driving them to the viewing. Bart was glad Lisa had arranged for things to start at ten o’clock, instead of later in the day, since that meant he’d be back early to check on things.
“Don’t you look handsome,” Julia said, from behind Bart. She noticed his light blue tie was crooked when he turned around, so she straightened it for him. “Silk… very nice.”
“You look positively stunning, Julia,” Bart said. He looked at her perfect fitting black jacket, sexily tight knee-length skirt, and black stiletto heels, then gave her two thumbs up. “Joan Collins would be proud. You even have the big hat that would be right at home on that old nighttime soap opera Dynasty. I especially like the way the top of your jacket is formfitting, then flares out sort of like a ruffle from the waist.”
“Why, thank you, Jeremy,” Julia said, and smiled. “The ‘flare’ in the jacket is referred to as a peplum. And I have to admit, I’m glad to have this big hat right now. My hair’s such a mess, all I could do was pull it back in a bun.”
“Unlike a lot of women, you’ve been graced with the cheekbones and looks to pull off a bun.”
“That’s sweet of you to say, Jeremy. It’s funny you mentioned Dynasty, because with Marcus’s ex wife Magdalena expected at the funeral, I’m thinking we’re in store for some high drama. Here comes Simon with the car.”
As soon as the car reached them, Bart opened the front passenger door for Julia. After Julia thanked him, he closed her door, opened the back door and got in.
WHEN THEY arrived at the Kristoff home, the small group of three were surprised not to see many cars. After parking and entering the mansion, a tall, husky butler with white hair introduced himself as Chandler, and led them to the large living room. The room ran across the back of the house, and most of the furniture had been removed. There were now two side by side coffins filling the space, a few rows of gold Chiavari chairs, and scattered armchairs. Softly playing in the background was a recording of Ave Maria sung by Michal Lorenc. The curtains were drawn, and the smell of incense filled the air. Simon tugged at the collar of his white shirt and loosened his dark blue tie. Julia slapped his hand away and tightened his tie again.
“Catholics and their incense,” Simon said. “It always makes me itch. I was so glad when my family joined the Episcopal Church. We Episcopalians don’t use as much incense.”
“The incense and itching thing is all in your mind,” Julia said, putting her arm around Simon’s arm.
“I can’t believe we’re the only ones here,” Bart said in a low voice.
“I wouldn’t have expected anything different, since Rachel didn’t have many friends… if any at all,” Lisa said from where she’d just entered in the back of the room with Judge Haymond and his wife by her side. She wore a simple short-sleeved, slim fitting black dress, which went down to just above her ankles. The judge was in a navy pin-striped suit, with a blue shirt, and a dark tie. Mrs. Haymond had on a loose black jacket, white blouse, and black skirt, with low-heeled black pumps.
Bart was surprised to see Lisa sporting such high heels. Instead of wearing a large round hat like Julia’s black one, she wore a black veil with a fancy broach on her head.
“I just love your fascinator, Lisa,” Julia said.
“What the hell’s a fascinator?” Bart said to Simon.
“Geez, man,” Simon said. “It’s the veil and jewel on her head. They’ve been all the rage in the states since that prince in England got married a while back. That’s all you heard the female commentators on TV talking about. This woman’s fascinator and that woman’s fascinator, et cetera, et cetera.”
“And you were that tuned into the wedding,” Bart said.
“Yeah, that bridesmaid Pippa looked hot.”
“Excuse me?” Julia said, shooting Simon a look that was meant to silence him.
Bart decided to focus his attention on the coffins. There was a glossy white one and a dark brown one.
“Hello, everyone,” Judge Haymond said.
“Hello,” Bart said.
“It’s nice to see the two of you again,” Julia said.
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“And it’s nice to see all of you again,” Mrs. Haymond said. “Although, the setting is quite a bit different from the last time. And we were dressed in slightly more colorful attire at the museum ball.”
“Maybe Rachel’s mother will wear something a little wilder than the rest of us,” Simon said. “After all those years of not coming around this place, she’s bound to make some sort of grand entrance.”
“Simon, that’s her daughter in the coffin,” Julia said. “Show some respect.”
“It’s not like she gave a damn about Rachel,” Simon said. “Everyone knows she never came to visit. I don’t understand why she’s bothering to show up today. No offense to anyone here, but it’s strange.”
“It is, at that,” Lisa said. “But all of you are free to show your regards to her and Mr. Orion. Marcus had Rachel made up to look like she was some sort of virginal fairy tale princess. Even now, it’s all about image for him.”
Marcus walked in as Bart and the others were heading toward the coffins. Mr. Orion looked much as he did in life. Rachel looked even more beautiful than when she was alive. Her attire consisting of a lacy white dress and a string of pearls around her neck made her look positively angelic.
“They did a wonderful job on her hair,” Julia said. “The curls are perfectly done.”
“Oh, I agree,” Lisa said, looking down at Rachel, before turning to her husband, who stood to the side of her.
“My brother’s here with that damned old priest of his, Bishop Piombo,” Marcus said. “Magdalena and Gabriel are with him too. They just stopped for the bishop to use the bathroom. Chandler will show them in when they’re ready.”
“I’m sorry it’s only us,” Julia said.
“You’re the only ones who were invited,” Marcus said. “All this…” he waved his arms around the room. “All this was just for show. The newspaper’s photographers were here earlier this morning to take pictures. The only reason you three were invited is to provide some sort of buffer zone between my brother and me. Hello, Judge and Mrs. Haymond. I guess you know I invited the two of you just to piss off my brother. He’s never forgiven either of you for trying to keep Gabriel in Maynard Shores with you. But there’s no need to worry, I’ve forbidden him from doing any harm to anyone while he’s visiting. In any case, he’ll be leaving as soon as he shows his respect to the dead.”
