Dead Sure?: A Paranormal Mystery (22 page)

It was late in the afternoon before Tim started to feel really antsy. He had to admit that the so-called real books were every bit as good as promised, and the surroundings certainly left nothing to be desired. Money of all kinds was flowing into Angela’s organization, some of the money from reputable sources, and a bunch from what appeared to be rather dubious operations. Tim wasn’t familiar yet with what all of the abbreviations in the books meant, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. His best guess on ‘RNR’ was robbery and resale. If that’s what it meant, the acronym was quite clever.

Standing up to stretch, he reminded himself that he needed to get out and find that coin, medallion, or whatever it was. It was his only chance to get back where he belonged, and the longer he waited, the more likely somebody else would find it first. Tim chastised himself again for having been so stupid as to have thrown it in a fit of anger.
Never mind that now! It is time to move forward, the past is the past.
He smiled weakly to himself, as he thought about that old saying again. ‘
The past is the past’, that doesn’t really hold water any more now, does it?

Heading into the outer office, Tim encountered no one. Sticking his head out into the hall, tentatively at first, he looked right and then left. Much to his surprise, nobody was around. He couldn’t believe his good fortune.
They must be starting to trust me.

A few minutes later, Tim had made his way through the hall and down the stairs. The front door was getting excruciatingly close. The taste of freedom was getting exciting, a chance to go out alone without a shadow.

It didn’t take him long to walk to the park, although the trek felt long. He could feel his pulse quicken at the thought of going home each block he traversed. It’s true, he had always wondered about the nineteen-twenties. Maybe wondered wasn’t a fair statement, more like fixated on them, but now he felt as if his curiosity had been satisfied. It was long past time to go home. The first thing he was going to do was hug his precious young daughter Missy.

Absorbed in that thought, he crossed the street entering the park area. The smell of the flowering trees hung on a light breeze, and he breathed in deep, trying to slow his heart rate.

Unknown to Tim, about half a block back he had a shadow, albeit a small one. The young boy Charles had paid off earlier was still following him. He stopped, leaning up against a lamp post and watched as the man entered the park.
I hope that gangster guy comes through with the money he promised me. Otherwise, I’ll have wasted a whole day following around this boring old guy and his moll. What’s he is doing now? He is staring at the ground and poking at the bushes. Wait a minute; he must be looking for something. I wonder what it is? This seems like information that might be worth extra scratch. I’d better get closer and find out exactly what he is up to.

The boy resumed his walk to the park, at a somewhat less than leisurely pace. The thought of more money had taken hold of Lefty.

Tim had gone to the area where he remembered first encountering Angela, and from there paced in a straight line in the approximate direction he had thrown the coin. Only after a few minutes of futile searching did he remember that the coin had bounced off her arm. That had led him in a different direction, towards some Hydrangea bushes. The bushes were tall and thick, their green leaves glistening in the afternoon sun.

These bushes could conceal any number of things,
he thought, and began searching.
On the bright side, if the coin is in here, it is unlikely anyone else has found it.

He had begun poking at the branches, pushing them this way and that. Shafts of sunlight poured in, creating small pools of gold here and there on the ground, each flitting away quickly as another branch was shifted. Getting down on his knees, he decided to go in for a closer lock. It was a long row of bushes, and he didn’t have all day. In fact, he was wondering just how long he might have alone before someone came along.

That guy must be desperate to find something, getting down on the ground and all with his nice suit on. If I wasn’t trying to stay unnoticed I would charge him to help.
Lefty strolled by on the sidewalk, glancing cautiously at the man’s back. What was it he was looking for; his own curiosity was now burning to know.

Having gotten closer to the action Tim had indeed found the bush could conceal many things; an old shoe, an empty bottle, a tattered handkerchief, and, worst of all, dog shit. Still no coin; he could feel his frustration beginning to build.
I’m not going to let my emotions get the better of me this time. I have to keep looking. It’s here somewhere, I can feel it.

The boy was on his third pass by and feeling pretty cocky about the fact that this dumb sod wasn’t going to notice him, even if he did a cartwheel followed by a handstand, not that Lefty was going to chance it. He had done stupid things like that before, and it never turned out well. He couldn’t help but think back again to when he was ten. 

The wallet had seemed so easy to get. He had grabbed it and was halfway down the block, as good as gone. One of his friends had chided him that it was too easy, no thrill. Bending down, he had picked up a rock and thrown it, hitting the man square in the back of the head. The target wheeled around quickly, and boy was he fast for a big guy. Lefty found himself caught by the scruff of the neck before he knew what was happening. The man snatched his wallet back and threw him like a rag doll. His head hit the corner of a concrete stoop face first. Pain seared through him. He didn’t remember much else about the incident other than lots of blood, and of course the two inch scar it had left across his forehead as a reminder. Never get too cocky or the world will show you who is boss.

He rubbed the scar instinctively, remembering the pain as if the moment were fresh again.

Tim saw the medallion, but his mind didn’t want to admit it at first. What if he was mistaken and it was just more junk? Slowly at first he reached his hand in to retrieve it. As his brain locked in on the idea, his hand accelerated, snatching it up. Pulling his hand back, he admired the contents. There it was the source of all his current troubles. Tim had forgotten how strange looking it was, with its Chinese markings on one side and dragon on the other. The medallion felt strange in his hand; a slight tingling sensation radiated in palm. A small shiver ran up his spine, and an odious taste came into his mouth.

Closing his fingers around the medallion, he stood up. Tim began to wish he was back home again, back to the very moment in time he had left behind only a couple of days earlier.

Chapter 19
Sunday August 5
th
, 2007

Sunday August 5
th
, 2007

Rene was sitting at her favorite coffee shop, enjoying a large cappuccino and reflecting on the last couple of weeks. Things had been going super smoothly for her lately. She hadn’t had anymore unexplained blackouts. No more empty booze bottles had appeared in her apartment, at least without her knowing about it. She had two boyfriends, and yes now, she was sure about that. Jack and she had patched things up after their one big blowout, and Sam and she continued to move along nicely. Come to think of it, right now the biggest problem or issue in Rene’s life was trying to figure out which guy to keep and which one to let down gently.

All this good fortune she attributed to several things. The first of which was getting rid of that accursed painting. Sam had been a real life saver with that. He had disposed of it for her, and never mentioned it again. Second, the one she felt a little bad about, was taking a short sabbatical from her part-time job at the antique shop. She knew Liam missed having her there, and she could certainly use the money, but she really wanted to distance herself from hearing any more about the Horner Bank Building. Liam was just so obsessed with it, not that he didn’t have every right to be, especially after his recent experience at the place. That incident was still delaying further work on the project, which conveniently kept Jack and Sam from talking about it much. Happily, they had both been assigned to other developments. That limited how much time they were spending together. Rene considered this to be a positive thing, knowing that they were both in the dark about her dating the two of them.

Rene twirled the fancy cardboard coffee cup with its distinctive logo slowly in her hands, as she sat there weighing her options.

What if I cut the wrong guy loose? I think it’s still just too early to tell. Yet, if I end up sleeping with both of them, at some point they’ll find out and think I’m a ho bag. Maybe I can put that off a little longer while I continue to decide. They’re both so hot though, one of these times I’m gonna give in. Who am I kidding that’s going to happen sooner than later? I should stop trying to decide, and let fate just help me along. I’ll just see what happens and go with my gut on this, but what if my gut is wrong? Aghh, new topic, Rene, when should I go back to working at the antique store? I could really use the money; my savings aren’t growing at all. Liam has been very patient about leaving things open-ended. That can’t last forever, and it isn’t fair to expect it to.

Presently her phone began to ring out a cheerful tune. From the ring tone, she could tell it was Jack. Hastily, she dug the phone out of her purse.

“Hello, Jack,” she said in a very chipper voice.

“Hi, Rene, I had a great time Friday night, but today isn’t so good,” he finished the sentence with a humorous tone in his voice.

“Why not, what’s the matter?”

“I miss you, and we don’t have plans for our next date yet.”

“You’re just such a smooth talker, Jack Weston. Did you have something in mind?” she said with a giggle.

“Why, yes, I do, Rene. You and me, a rented movie, at my place tonight, eating Chinese carryout straight from the box, what do ya say?”

“How could I pass up an offer like that, you know I love Chinese food? The company, I can take it or leave it,” she said chidingly.

“Nice, Rene, real nice. I’ll pick you up around six tonight.”

“That’s all right Jack, I’ll drive myself over. Six it is.” Rene snapped her phone closed, beaming.
Things keep getting better and better.

*    *    *

Ron sat impatiently in his parked car outside the bank building. He kept starting to whistle, and then losing his tune. Steve was supposed to have met him here thirty minutes ago. Then again, Steve was the boss and often ran on his own time. Still, the extra time to sit here and mull over the fact that he had nothing useful or very concrete to tell Steve was torture. Ron knew damn well Steve was going to blow a gasket. The only good news was this was a public place during the day. That fact would probably keep Steve somewhat more in check.

A few more excruciatingly long minutes passed before the roar of Steve’s Duesenberg could be heard pulling up behind him.  Ron sighed longingly, if only he could afford a car like that. Who was he kidding? If he ever could amass that kind of money, his bitch of a wife would just spend it on something worthless.
God knows, she already spends money I don’t have. I’m in debt up to my eyeballs. I have got to turn up more information or do something that Steve will pay me extra for.

Steve came walking up, climbing into the passenger seat of Ron’s car. It was an old beat up something or other. “Ron, you really ought to get yourself a better vehicle. It’s not like I don’t pay you decently, even without your extra curricular work.”

“My piece of shit wife has my credit all fouled up, and I don’t have enough money left after paying the bills to make payments on something new. Enough about my problems, I’m sure you have better things to do.”

“You’re right, Ron, so let’s get down to brass tacks. What have you been able to find out?”

Ron fidgeted in his seat before he began to answer. “Well, that Rene lady is dating both of your employees, Jack and Sam, and from what I can tell the two of them aren’t aware of it.”
I guess that sounded somewhat useful, if Steve wants to stir up trouble. I’ve got to make the next part sound more important or I’m in for it. Possibly, if I add on a little speculation to spice it up.
“More interesting than that, though, is that after the bank building incident, Rene stopped working her part-time job at the antique store. It seems really strange how Liam was involved in that murder investigation and is Rene’s employer, and how all of a sudden she wants to distance herself from him. If you ask me, I think maybe she was involved somehow in the whole thing.”

Steve sat there just staring at Ron. The expression on his face was unreadable. It seemed to be void of any human emotion. After a few minutes of unbearable silence, Steve finally spoke. “Ron, we already knew she worked for Liam. I’m not hearing much information to write home about. It’s highly likely she is involved in working with Liam on stopping the demolition of this building,” Steve stopped momentarily, pointing to the building for emphasis. “What I do know is that we have nothing more than speculation to go on.”

Ron’s nerves were beginning to get the better of him. Steve seemed to be so calm and almost distant, a mood Ron hadn’t experienced in him before. One that seemed ominous and unpredictable, like it could go in any direction or that it was masking what might be some upcoming act of rage. The veins running along Ron’s temples began to twitch. He realized his palms were extremely sweaty. Nonchalantly, he tried to wipe them on his pants legs.

“Now, the only detail of real use you gave me is this developing love triangle. Upsetting something like that might cause this Rene girl to do or say something foolish.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought you might say. What would you like me to do?”

“Nothing yet, for now just keep following them. Let me tell you this,” he began to say, waving his finger in Ron’s face. “We will get this project back and going come hell or high water by next Monday. Do you understand me! Now, go and find me something more useful.”

The calmness in Yate’s voice as he finished his last sentence communicated more to Ron than anything that could have been said or yelled. “Yes, Mr. Yates, I have a good feeling about this week.”

*    *    *

Rene was filled with anticipation as she neared Jack’s house. They had been on many dates over the last couple weeks, but she hadn’t seen his place since helping him find it. There was something about the old house that really called to her. She cranked the tunes and began to sing along as her yellow beetle cruised towards its destination. Knowing guys, the place was most likely a mess, and could probably use a woman’s touch for the décor too.

Turning her stereo up louder, she became lost in the music. About five minutes later, Rene pulled into the driveway. The house looked bigger than she remembered, standing there with it’s stark white paint and deep black shutters. A small shiver shot up her spine. She twitched instinctively as the impulse finished its course.

It was a balmy summer evening, not too cool or too hot. As she came to a stop, she closed the car windows and turned off the stereo. Jack was sitting on the back step looking quite relaxed. He smiled, setting down his drink, and came right over to greet her. Grabbing her gently around the waist, he began to kiss her passionately.
She eagerly encouraged his greeting, draping her arms around his neck and leaning into him.

“Wow, Rene, now that’s what I call a hello.”

She smiled, “I couldn’t agree more.”
Jack sure is a hell of a good kisser and I would guess other things to.  Every time I’m with him, I just can’t stop smiling so much so that my cheeks hurt by the end of the date. Oh well, I guess it’s a price that I’ll just have to pay.

His arm around her shoulder, they began to walk towards the house. “How hungry are you? We can run out and pick up the food or I can have it delivered. Chang’s is pretty slow with deliveries. It will probably be at least an hour for that option.”

“I think some more kissing could fill the time.”

“I like how you think, Rene,” he replied grinning happily.

They entered the house and headed up the back stairs to his apartment. Putting his hand out, he stopped her at the top of the stairs his hand on the door knob.

“Now, no laughing, the place is clean but I really haven’t put much into the furniture.” He tried to sound serious, but his tone was obviously the exact opposite.

“I’m sure I’ll love the place, and I promise not to tease you too much.”

The door entered into the second floor hallway, which they followed to an area Jack was using for the living room. There was a gray sectional sofa to one side and on the other a large-flat oak television stand, on which stood a sixty-inch flat screen. It was apparent that most of his money had been spent on these items. The rest of the room was rather sparsely furnished.

Jack motioned for her to have a seat. Sitting himself, he began to rummage through a drawer on the end table.

“Found it,” he said, holding up the menu for Chang’s. He opened it up, laying it flat on the coffee table in front of them. “What would you like? Personally, I love the spicy chicken with chili peppers.”

“Hmm, let me have a closer look at the menu.” Rene scooted closer to Jack and, putting her hand on his knee, leaned in over the menu. “Beef Lo Mein sounds good to me, and we have to have some egg rolls.”

“Of course we do, that’s just a given.” Grabbing the cell phone from the table, he flipped through the directory of programmed numbers until it arrived upon Chang’s.

“I take it this is one of your favorite places.”

“What would give you an idea like that?”

“Just the fact that you have it programmed into your phone, and have a menu stashed in the end table.”

“You caught me, super sleuth. I eat their food more than I care to admit to. I just love Chinese food. Maybe I was Chinese in a past life or something.” He pressed the selection button, and the phone began to dial.

“Chang’s, how can help you?”

“I would like to place an order for delivery. I would like one order of Beef Lo Mein, and one order of Chicken with Chili peppers. Also, two egg rolls with extra packs of sweet and sour sauce.”

“What your call back number and address?” asked a voice with a very thick accent. Jack quickly rattled them off. “Very good, ah bought forty-five minute.” The conversation ending with a click.

Putting the phone down, Jack turned towards Rene. “The order taker said about forty-five minutes, but with Chang’s that always means at least an hour and fifteen. What should we do till th..”

Before Jack could finish his sentence, Rene leaned towards him knocking him backwards playfully and began kissing him passionately. Things heated up quickly, and soon it was more like a playful wrestling match with a lot of grouping. With a thump they rolled off the low couch together, hitting the floor with a small thud. The kissing stopped briefly as they both began to laugh.

Jack had never felt more connected to any woman. Rene was so alive, so full of energy and enthusiasm for life. Never worried about messing up her hair, or what fancy dinner or outfit she could scam out of him next. She was such a breath of fresh air.

At the moment, it seemed quite clear to Rene that Jack was the one. There was a real connection here. Their sense of humor was the same, they liked a lot of the same things, and the chemistry, oh, the chemistry.

The phone began to ring, knocking both of them back into reality. “I should get that; it will be Chang’s calling to confirm our order. They always do that; they must get a lot of prank calls or something.” Slowly peeling himself from the floor, he reached up, grabbing for the phone, “Hello.”

“Hello, this is Chang’s confirm order for Jack Weston.”