Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series) (15 page)

Chapter
35

I
returned to my office feeling the pressure Paddy must be under. I noticed the
coin on my desk which Mrs. Abbott had affectionately given me. I picked it up
and shook it, and let it land on my blotter. It landed tails up.
Yup this is
the kind of day it’s going to be. I guess I better call Bill to see what the
problem is.

I dialed
the MIT lab number, asking for Bill Story.

“Hello,
this is Bill.”

“Hi
Bill, it’s Scott, Colleen told me to call you. She mentioned a problem.”

He
answered with a soft voice. “Maybe I should come to the office to talk about
this. MIT has pulled the plug on our use of the computers here. They have given
us a week to get our data out of here.”

“That is
not good news at all. Did they give any explanation?”

“Yes.
Our use is getting too commercialized. Although they have the processing
resources, the director is concerned our use might hamper the various studies
and projects they have going. Let’s talk about this back in the office, okay?”

“How
does this leave your own personal use of the computers there?”

He
didn’t immediately reply. “I’m not quite sure, but I better keep a low profile
for the next few weeks. Someone is looking for the phone, I think. I better go.
Bye.”

I heard
the dial tone as soon as the words left his mouth.
Yup, this is
unquestionably one of those days. I hesitate talking to Mercedes today.

*.*.*

I
thought about how to make this a ‘heads up’ kind of day.
I guess the lack of sleep didn’t affect my brain cells
any.

Heading
back to Mike’s office I asked, “Mike, do you have a few minutes to talk about
something?”

“Sure,
you look like you need a beer, but if my listening will help—go ahead.”

“Thanks.
I just called Bill because he indicated we have a problem. Well he told me MIT
has pulled the plug on our use of their laboratory computers. Someone there
feels our use is getting too close to commercialization. That’s not entirely
incorrect, but we were doing only demos at this time. If we went into
production, we would obviously need different resources.”

“So, why
are you smiling?” Mike asked.

“Well I
think I have a plan, but I need your thoughts on it first,” I said.

“Shoot.”

“Remember
me telling you that Wang offered the use of a computer setup?”

“Yes, I
remember.”

“Well, I
think we need to make that leap now, since we have an imminent need with
Stephen’s real estate listing project. However, before I meet to discuss that
with Wang, I wanted your thoughts on it.”

“Where
the hell would you put it? Don’t those computer setups require considerable
space for; tape, disk drives, card readers, and printers, not to mention the
mainframe itself?”

“Wow.
I’m impressed. I didn’t think you knew any of that stuff. Have you been reading
some of the research papers around here?” I asked.

“As a
matter of fact, there have been some interesting articles in several of the
magazines I receive, talking about what criminal investigations will be like in
the very near future. They talk about data bases storing information from
across the country. It all sounds far-fetched, but I guess if you can think it
can happen…it will.”

“To
answer your question about where to put it—I don’t think we have the space in
this office for it. I heard the other day our old task force office building
hasn’t been leased since we moved out. I bet we could get that for a song and
put the equipment there. Maybe we could do some other projects for Harvard as
well. I’m sure Wang would be interested if we had a solid plan. Should we talk
with Paddy? If we talk with him, what about my offer to help Holly? It sounds
like she has her hands full. Have you forgotten about Charlotte’s request for
our help, well more specifically mine?”

Mike was
giving what I mentioned some thought. “Let me talk to him in private. Today is
not a good day, given the AG calling him again for status of the missing men
investigation. I’ll try to sense whether he’s in any better frame of mind later
today.”

*.*.*

Scott
left for Stephen’s office to discuss some of the options with him. Mike was
giving some serious thought about a computer set up for the office. It would be
nice to explore using the computer equipment on some test criminal databases.
Bill would have to help set them up, but he had been sharing with him how the
computers could be used in investigation work. It would be nice to be on the
cutting edge of that utilization.

Mike
stuck his head in Paddy’s office. Paddy greeted him with a smile. “Wow Paddy, I
wasn’t expecting to see a smile on your face. Care to share what you’re
drinking?”

“I got a
second call from the AG. Victor actually apologized for his earlier words. I
honestly think he might be concerned I’ll have another heart attack, and where
will that leave him. He would be your problem…or you would be his.” He laughed.
“Anyway, in calmer words he asked if we needed any additional resources, or if
there was anything he could personally do to help with the investigation. I
found out Victor is Nils’ Godfather, which is why Larz Nielsen is reaching out
to him.”

“Well I
guess this is as good a time as any. Scott told me earlier that MIT has pulled
the plug on our use of their laboratory computers. We have a week to get any of
our stuff off their mainframe. Bill is not sure where he personally stands.
Scott says Bill is just going to keep his distance for a few weeks, then see
how things shake out.”

Paddy
looked very concerned. “That puts a damper on Scott’s real estate project,
doesn’t it? What does Scott have to say about this?”

“Scott
is the one who mentioned this. He has a backup plan that he talked to me about,
and I want to get your thoughts on it. Do you want me to continue, or do you
want to think about things for awhile?”

“I’ve
got some patched bullet-holes already, what’s a few more. Shoot.”

“Scott
mentioned a while ago that Wang offered the use of one of their computer setups.
At the time, we did not have a direct need, having the use of the MIT computers.
Scott’s suggestion is to discuss with Wang if they were indeed serious, and if
so, take them up on it.”

“Those
computers take up a large footprint, don’t they? Where would we put it?”

“Scott
had an answer for that. He mentioned our old task force office, which hasn’t
been leased since we moved over to this building. He thought we might be able
to work something out given the situation.”

“I like
the sound of that. Maybe that’s where we could use some of Victor’s resources.
We could do some prototype work on criminal databases, and commercial projects.
Why don’t you have Scott join us?”

“He went
over to Stephen’s office to communicate this new wrinkle.”

“Well,
when he comes back, why don’t we huddle to put some meat on this plan? I think
this could be a real opportunity for us,” Paddy offered.

“While
you’re in a good mood, there’s something else I need to mention to you. It
involves our investigation in Bermuda.”

“Okay.”
Paddy hesitated for a few seconds. “I sense this discussion might have a
problem associated with it?”

“Scott
asked if he could assist Holly with her investigation in Bermuda.”

“Absolutely
not.”

Chapter
36

I needed
to talk with Stephen about the new developments. He altered his afternoon
calendar, telling me to come right over.

We were
seated at his small conference table. I could tell from the frown, he was
apprehensive about what I was going to talk to him about. “So Scott, what’s so
important that I had to break my appointment with the Mayor. I’m just kidding,
but you sounded very upset on the phone. I’m ready. Would you like a drink
first?”

“I would
love one. Thanks.” I followed Stephen to his concealed bar. He didn’t even have
to ask what I wanted. He poured two double shots of bourbon in each glass,
handing me one of the glasses.

Stephen
proposed a toast. “If we’re alive…there’s no problem that can’t be solved.
Here’s to a solution. Cheers!”

We
touched glasses. “Cheers!” I echoed.

We
didn’t go back to the conference table. Stephen sat in a chair next to the bar
and I sat opposite him. “Stephen, I wanted to let you know that MIT has pulled
our use of their computers. We have a week to remove all of our material.”

“Is that
the problem? I thought it was something serious. Do you have any suggestions?”

I was
glad he was making light of the situation. “I have several.” I looked to see if
he was interested. “I had an offer a few weeks ago about the use of a Wang
computer setup. I’m going to talk to them to see if they were serious about
it.”

“See…there’s
no problem.”

“I have
also suggested a location for it. We had leased a building in Harvard Square for our earlier task force operations. The building hasn’t been leased since
we vacated. I think we could set the computer operation up there.”

Stephen
took a long hit on the bourbon. “Sounds like you have the makings of a plan.
How can I help?”

“Here’s
my thought. If we run into a problem leasing the building, do you think you
could lease it for us? I’m not sure what our financials look like, and it might
be a stretch at this time.”

His
smile got wider and wider. “I don’t think that will be a problem at all. I
think we could justify the rental expense to pull off a working scenario on the
real estate listing project. Later, if the project grows in size, we might be
able to turn the operation over to the Real Estate Board. Regardless, I’m not
worried about that at all. Do you want me to check out the details of the lease,
or do you want to call me with them?”

“I think
at this time, I better call you with the details. Paddy O’Brien might just want
to have our office leasing the building. Thank you, Stephen, for your generous
offer.”

Stephen’s
secretary came to the doorway. “Mr. Strong, I’m sorry to bother you, but you
mentioned if your daughter were to call to let you know. She’s on the phone.”

“Thank
you Margie, I’ll take her call. Scott, would you please excuse me.”

I got up
to leave and he shook his head, waving me to sit down.

*.*.*

“Hi
sweetheart, welcome home. How was your trip?”

I
watched as Stephen listened to Mercedes’ response. He nodded a few times and
said ‘okay’ more than once. About five minutes into her side of the
conversation, he remarked, “So, you’re still thinking that profile fits. I
know, I know but listen Mercedes the chance of that—“

Stephen
was obviously interrupted, listening to her side of the conversation for a few
more minutes. “Okay honey, I hear you, and I’m sure you’re concerned. However,
he’s sitting in my office right now. Yes, he is. Do you want to say hello?”
Stephen held the phone across his desk. “Mercedes wants to say hello.”

“Hi
Mercedes. Welcome home.”

“Scott,
I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have called if I knew you were with him. I would have
called you last night, but I was…I was tired from my trip.”

“It’s
okay. Do you want me to call when I get back to my apartment?”
I bet she
says no. She’s probably going out tonight with Ralph.

“No.”

I
processed her response and replied. “Okay, then you call me when—“

“Scott,
shut up and get your butt over here when you’re finished with my dad. I’ve got
a bad case of Scottitis, which only seeing you will fix. Bye.” She hung up.

“I’m
sorry Stephen. She hung up.”

He
laughed, downing the balance of his drink. “I told you if we were alive,
there’s no problem that can’t be solved. Is there anything else on your mind?”

I
finished my drink. “Not that I care to discuss.”

Chapter
37

I was
happy Mercedes wanted to see me. It was a short drive from Stephen’s office to
her apartment building. I parked my car under the portico, asking the doorman
to have it parked for me. I gave him a five dollar bill, which he hesitated
taking.

“Will
you be long sir?”

“I’m not
sure.” I felt uncomfortable, but headed into the building.

Two
minutes later I was outside Mercedes apartment, knocking on her door. I kept
knocking, but she didn’t answer.
Could this be a replay of my last visit?
I
checked the door and it was unlocked. I entered her apartment, closed the door
and called for her. She didn’t answer. I proceeded into the apartment checking
to see if she was in any of the rooms. I heard the water running and went into
the bathroom.

“Mercedes
it’s me.” The glass enclosure was fogged, but I could still see her standing
under the spray holding out a washcloth.

“My
hero…you’re just in time to wash my back, and I’ll return the favor.”

I
quickly shed my clothes, already excited as I opened the shower door.

Mercedes
smiled, looking down. “As I’ve said before, that’s the way to greet a lady.”

I wanted
to rush to hold her, but she held up her hand, moving away from the spray. She
took the handheld unit, focusing it where she wanted. She was enjoying her
little charade and so was I. She fiddled with the dial, dropping the water temp
slowly, turning cold and then freezing cold. I tried to cover myself. She shook
her head emphatically. Within a minute, the cold water spray was cutting like a
sleet storm into my body and then I could no longer feel my lower body at all.

She wore
a big smile, hanging the handheld back up without changing the water temp. She
rushed into my arms. The warmth of her body was incredible.
One thing for
sure, we didn’t have to worry about the hot water running out.
After making
love more than once, she dialed the temp back to normal and we washed each
other. Needless to say, I was ready again, much to her delight.

*.*.*

An hour
later we were headed out of the city. Mercedes wouldn’t tell me where we were
going. She was doing the driving. Her white ’64 T-Bird could probably give my
Bonneville a run for its money, but it was much more luxurious inside. I could
tell she was on a mission. She asked me to; sit back, enjoy the ride, and keep
my mouth shut. The quiet and comfort were both working on my lack of sleep last
night. I could also tell she was enjoying my constant eyeballing her. I noticed
a slight hint of a grin, even though she was trying her best not to.

She was
easy on the eyes. Her red hair was pulled up and covered with a white kerchief.
Earlier, she had me pick out the clothes for her to wear. I picked out a
long-sleeved-white shirt, which I could tell was a man’s because of the
buttons. I had never seen her in jeans, and with her long legs we almost didn’t
get out of the bedroom. She had to lie on the bed to get them on. Tight wasn’t
even close to the right description. Now, even in the limited light inside the
car I could see a hint of the black bra since she hadn’t buttoned the top
buttons.

I wanted
so much to tell her how much I missed her. I think she could tell by my entry
earlier and my attention now.
What in the world was she up to?

*.*.*

My
answer came when I recognized the road we were on.
We’re headed to the
cabins in Topsfield.
I couldn’t have chosen a better place. The first time
we were there it was Christmas Eve. We were lucky to get off the road safely,
due to the surprise blizzard. The cabins were just in the right place at the
right time. We were forced to stay in the same cabin based on our limited funds.
I later learned Mercedes had enough money to get us separate cabins.

I tried
my best to be a gentleman that night and the next morning, also being faithful
to Lisa. However, the closeness and circumstance got the best of us. We were
close for most of Christmas morning. I smiled at the memory of her coming out
of the shower almost covered with this tiny bath towel, which left nothing to
the imagination. She said something like ‘you will have to forgive the wrapping
on your Christmas present, as it was all I had.’ That’s when she removed the
towel.

I had to
take a deep breath just thinking about it…just like I did before.
I’m sure
Mercedes, the ‘profiler,’ is already reading my mind. I think she knows me
better than I do.

I saw
the lighted sign for the
‘Tops Cabins’
which confirmed where we were
headed. I couldn’t hold back the smile, looking over to see her smiling at me.

She
gunned the car up the driveway, but there wasn’t any snow covering it this
time. Mercedes braked, just before she would have hit the same post rail fence.
She turned to me with the car still running. “I’m sure there was a point when you
knew where we were headed. Scott, I guess it’s something we criminal
investigators need to do…return to the scene of the crime.”

She just
stared at me. I wanted to reach over and hug her. She sensed it, holding up
both of her hands. She looked over at the vacancy sign which made her shirt
turn red. “Well Mr. Tucker, I have enough money for two cabins this time, what
will it be…one or two?” She studied me for a moment and added, “I can tell, you
already know you won the Kewpie doll.”

*.*.*

I
registered the same way I did four years ago…Mr. and Mrs. Scott Tucker. The
owner recognized me. “Weren’t you the couple that stayed here the night of the
blizzard?”

I
grinned at him not knowing how to answer. “That’s us.”

“Welcome
back. I can guarantee you won’t be snowed in tonight,” he said, with a laugh.
“I will give you the same cabin.” He handed me the key.

Walking
to her car, I wondered how in the hell he could remember me and the
circumstance. I opened Mercedes’ driver door and said, “We’re in luck…we have
the same cabin.” I showed her the key and she took it. Without saying a word,
she grabbed her large pocketbook, quickly getting out of the car, leading the
way to the cabin. There wasn’t any luggage to take in. I was behind her
watching her incredible figure. She unlocked the door. Once inside, she was
kissing me like I was a soldier just coming back from oversees.

After
several minutes, I was more than ready to crash onto the bed. She broke our
embrace. “Okay Scott, here’s the deal. You start the fire,” pointing to the
fireplace, “over there, and when you’re done I want you naked under the
sheets.” She smiled, adding, “I’ll go next door and get us some finger food for
later, so we don’t starve to death. We don’t have a whole weekend to enjoy our
time together, just tonight, but I want to do all the things we never did the
first time. Do you think you can handle that assignment?”

“Mercedes,
I’ve played this scene so many times since we were here. I think I can get it
right this time.”

“She
grabbed her pocketbook, smiled and said, “That’s what you think. You have no
idea what’s in store for you tonight. I too have played this scene since we
were here, but I’m not as naïve as I was then.” She turned to open the cabin
door, but stopped and opened her pocketbook. “Close your eyes.” She was
fumbling with her pocketbook. “Okay, open them. She was holding not one, but
two pairs of handcuffs and threw them onto the bed. “You keep your hands off
these, but this will give you something to think about while I’m gone. Make
sure you take care of your assignment.”