Secrets of the Spiral Tower (24 page)

The cop said, “ma’am, I see you’re from out-of-state.”

“Yes, officer, that’s right.”

“Is this your car?”

“No, it belongs to my cousin who lives in Warren County.”

“And who is that, ma’am?”

“Woody McKenzie.”

“Ma’am, I know it is late, but can you get in touch with your cousin and get him to verify?”

“Officer, I would rather not wake him at this hour of the night. Let me tell you who I am. You’re familiar with McKenzie Towing, aren’t you?”

“Yes Ma’am. They have an office in the shopping complex up by the newspaper.”

“That’s correct. I’m the daughter of the owner, Rupert McKenzie.”

“Ma’am, I don’t know Rupert McKenzie. I know Mr. Connor Peppler. I thought he was the owner. Would you like to call him?”

“Oh, no. Don’t call Connor. I’ll call my cousin.”

The phone rang at the McKenzie Estate.

Olga answered, “Hello.”

“Olga, this is Willow. I really apologize for waking you, but I’ve got a bit of trouble... I’m sitting on the north frontage road in Woody’s mustang and a cop has stopped me. I need Woody to tell this nice gentleman that it’s okay for me to be out driving his car.”

Olga rolled over, tapping Woody on the shoulder saying, “Woody, it is Willow. She needs something.”

Blinking his eyes to wake up, Woody said, “Hello, Willow. What’s going on at this hour of the night?”

“Woody, I’m really sorry for this, but a cop has pulled me over. Will you please talk to him?”

“Pulled you over?”

“Yeah. I was showing out for my New York friend and let the Mustang get away from me.”

“I told you that car was a beacon for the cops. Let me talk to him.”

Willow handed the phone to the cop saying, “This is Woody McKenzie, owner of this car.”

“Good morning, sir. This is Officer Stephens.”

“Officer, I’m Woody McKenzie, cousin to the lady you have stopped. Unless she is intoxicated, please let her proceed. She has my permission to drive my car.”

“That’s fine, sir. But, I’m going to issue her a ticket for reckless driving. She fish-tailed and left tire marks for about thirty feet.”

“No problem, officer. Stick it to her. May I speak to her again?”

“Willow, I’ve taken care of everything. He is going to issue you a reckless driving ticket. Take it with a smile, make no comment, and go home.”

“Will do, Woody. Thanks so much.”

Tony was sitting back at the ramp onto the frontage road, watching every move. Shortly, Willow was on her way again, ticket in hand and Tony close behind. 

Five minutes later, both cars were parked in the driveway. Willow and Tony were inside, doors locked and all lights off.

*   *   *

It was eight-thirty in the morning when Willow woke. Seeing Tony still asleep, she eased out of bed and went to the kitchen to make coffee. Tony was soon awakened by the aroma. He slipped his boxers and a tee shirt on, and followed his nose to the kitchen.

Willow said, “Good morning, sleepy head. Did I wake you?”

“You might say that. The smell of the coffee is what really did it. But I guess since you made it, it is safe to say you woke me.”

“Are you hungry?”

“I think some toast with jelly would go good with the coffee.”

“So, what are your plans?”

“My only plan was to come see you. From here, the planning is up to you. I’m on your turf and I don’t have to report to work for seven days.”

“That’s good. I have a proposal. I called last night, and my Jag is being shipped here, but won’t arrive for a couple of days. What do you think about going to New Orleans to car shop? Have you ever been to New Orleans?”

“No. I’ve heard quite a bit about the ‘Big Easy’ and Bourbon Street, but have never visited.”

“Then, I suggest we get showered and shined, and head out for a couple of days. I’m not going to buy a car, but would like to see what’s available in the new models. I’ve got to shop for some clothes and we can do that, too. Do you have what you need?”

“I think so. I’ve got dress clothes, as well as a couple of casual pants and shirts.”

“Then, let’s do it. We need to be out of here by noon; my maid comes at that time.”

Looking around, Tony asked, “So, this is where you grew up, huh?”

“Yes, this is my ole home place. I left here after college graduation and moved to New York thirty–five years ago.”

“Willow, I see this nice picture of you and a boy in soccer uniforms hanging in the den. Who is the boy?”

“That’s Woody, my cousin, whose car I borrowed. Daddy spent a lot of time with us when we played soccer. Sometimes the games interfered with his work, but he rarely missed a game.”

“Woody, huh? When am I going to meet him? What does he do for a living?”

“He is the chairman of the board for the largest electric power association in the Southeastern United States.”

“Impressive.”

“And what about your Daddy?”

“He’s in an assisted living complex about three miles from here. Since I was away, he chose to move in there with some of his longtime friends. It is a really nice facility. When we return from New Orleans, I’ll introduce you to my family.”

Looking at a sixteen by twenty-four picture, also hanging in the den, Tony asked, “And, who might this be?”

“Oh, that’s Connor. He went to school with Woody and me. He came from a nice, but poor family up north of Vicksburg. Connor rode the bus to school each morning, but stayed with me afterwards because his parents didn’t get home from work untill late every day. Connor and I hung around school where Mama taught, until her classes were out. Then he would ride home with us and around six in the evening, Mama and I would take him home. He became the son Daddy never had. Daddy grew to like him so well that at age thirteen, he hired Connor to work odd jobs around the office. Connor worked very hard and Daddy saw potential in him. He offered to pay for Connor’s education at Mississippi State. But, Connor attended only two years before returning to Vicksburg. He knew Rupert would hire him full-time anyway, even if he didn’t graduate with a degree.”

“So, where is he now?”      

“That’s a long story, which I’ll save for later.”

“Were you and Conner boy/girl friends?”

“Yeah, pretty much. When I went to New York, we didn’t keep in close contact. I would talk to him, occasionally, and visit with him, occasionally, when I came home.”

“So, there was no romantic connection?”

“Tony, we were high school sweethearts. He and I had different life plans. He wanted to stay in Warren County and work for Daddy.  I wanted to get out on my own and see the bright lights.”

As Willow was packing her bags for the trip to New Orleans, she discovered the letter she had written to Woody. Not wanting to pack it to New Orleans and not wanting to take time to go by the Post Office, she decided to hide it by taping it to the back of the picture of her and Woody. By eleven-thirty, Willow and Tony were traveling in the red mustang down Highway 61 toward Louisiana. Remembering the ticket she got just a few hours earlier, she consciously stayed at or slightly below the speed limit.

With the top down, temperature in the mid-seventies, it was a perfect day for cruising. Willow served as a tour guide, pointing out points of interest along the way. Port Gibson, Natchez, Woodville, St. Francisville, all had special meanings to her. Riding on her daddy’s tow boat as a teenager, she learned the importance of each river town from St. Paul, Minnesota all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In three and a half hours, she stopped at the entrance to the famous Monte Leon Hotel in New Orleans. “This will be our home for the next couple of days,” she said. “Stay with the car while I go register.”

In ten minutes, she was back wearing a huge smile. “I was lucky. We’re going to get the Executive Suite on the top floor. “

“That’s great. But what is that smell?”

“You’re being indoctrinated to New Orleans. This city has a smell like no other. Grab your bag. The valet will park our car.”

As Willow and Tony entered the lobby, the valet fired up the Mustang and peeled rubber. Willow laughed, “Hope there’s not a New Orleans Cop around.” 

For the next couple of days, Willow and Tony enjoyed the sights, sounds, and food of New Orleans. They visited Bourbon Street and enjoyed hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s Bar. They ate rich cuisine at several favorite restaurants and shopped at the River Walk Mall. They car shopped and sat on the dock watching the ships go by. This was an added bonus that Tony hadn’t counted on when he decided to make the trip to Vicksburg. He sensed that Willow needed to get out of town, away from the stress and strain she was feeling. And, this was the perfect place. They strolled through Jackson Square with Willow acting the tourist guide part. They traveled through the French Quarter in a horse-pulled surrey from Canal Street south.

 “Look at the number of vendors selling voodoo dolls and other paraphernalia.”

Homeless people sat on every corner with hands out asking for a donation. Tony was amazed by the marching bands and their strange costumes, the likes of which he had never seen.

 Willow received a call that her Jaguar had arrived in Vicksburg.

“Tony, I guess we’ll head home tomorrow, unless you have other plans.”

“Sounds good to me. I don’t think my stomach can handle another day and night of rich food and drink.”

“Tomorrow, we’ll go to Café DuMonde and have some Cajun coffee and beignets, then head home.”

Chapter 20

It was five-thirty in the afternoon when they arrived at 530 Windward Way. 

Willow called Woody. “Would it be okay if I bring your car home this evening? I want you to meet one of my New York friends.”

“Hi, Willow. That will be fine. Why don’t I pick up some steaks and we can grill them?”

“Thank you, Woody, but we’ve eaten so much in New Orleans over the last couple of days; we need to have something bland tonight.”

“All right, then. I’m not home just yet, but will be there in twenty-five to thirty minutes.”

“If you would prefer, I can wait until tomorrow.”

“No-no. Come on. I want to meet your ‘New York friend’ any way.”

“Woody, be nice now.”  

“Aw, Willow, you know I will.”

Willow eyed Tony, wondering which car he liked the most.

“Tony, do you want to drive the Mustang or the Jag?”

“If you don’t mind, I want to drive the Mustang. I’ve felt the power sitting in the passenger’s seat, but want to see how it feels under the steering wheel.”

“Okay. The delivery people were supposed to leave the keys to the Jag in the mail box. Give me just a minute and I’ll be ready.”

Willow tossed Tony the house keys. “Why don’t you take our luggage inside?”

Stepping in the house, Tony thought,
how nice and fresh this is when compared to the
stench in New Orleans. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to that place
.

Willow pulled the envelope out of the mail box and just as planned, the keys were there with a transportation bill for $3,050. Not bad, she thought.

Calling to Tony, she asked, “Are you ready? I want to visit with Woody and Olga for a few minutes, but want to get back here before night falls.”

“I like that idea. Maybe tonight, we can take it easy and watch some TV. You don’t have anything else planned, do you?”

“No. Not tonight. Tomorrow, I’ve got plans to visit the courthouse and look over some records. Since you’re a lawyer, you can help with that.”

“I’ll be happy to do what I can. What are you looking for?”

“I want to get a copy of all of the legal documents pertaining to McKenzie Towing.”

“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

“Yes. Evidence that may point to embezzlement or forged signatures, and especially, a copy of Daddy’s last will and testament.”

“Okay, that’s tomorrow. Let’s return Woody’s car.”

Willow’s phone rang. “Hello, this is Willow.”

“Hey sweet lips, guess who.”

The voice was very familiar, but she didn’t recognize it immediately.

After several seconds, a man’s voice said, “This is John.”

“John? What in the world are you doing?”

“Well, you will never guess where I am.”

“No. I don’t have a clue.”

“I’m in Vicksburg. I’m registered in the motel on Warrington Road.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes. I remembered you telling me your father’s house is located on a cul-du-sac just south of the river bridge. So I took a chance you would be close by.”

“You’re right. My father’s house is just across the road from the motel. Are you there now?”

“Yes. And I want to see you. Where are you? May I see you soon?”

Surprised Willow said, “Yes. We’re just leaving the house headed out to my cousin’s house to swap cars. If you want to go on a short drive, we could pick you up in about 5 minutes.”

John asked, “We?”

“Yes. Tony, one of my commuter buddies in New York, is here visiting. We’re just returning from a few days in New Orleans.”

“Tony? I don’t know Tony. Is he in the advertising business?”

“No. He works on Wall Street. He is an investment broker, and I might say a very good one. He has assisted me with my investments, which have really paid off.”

“Maybe I need to meet him.”

“Do you want to take a ride out in the country with us?”

“Yes. I’ll go to the lobby, and wait for you.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Willow called Tony telling him about the changed plans.

“No problem. I’ll be close behind.”

Willow pulled into the portico, near the entrance to the lobby. Before she could come to a complete stop, John appeared. He walked to the driver’s side, and leaned in kissing Willow on the cheek.

Willow pointed to the passenger’s side. “Get in. We’re ready to roll.”       

Willow pulled ahead of Tony in her black Jag. He followed close behind, not letting her get more than two car lengths ahead. Heading north on Warrington Road, Willow saw Connor’s old green pickup truck facing her. He tried to stop her, but she swerved to the right and kept on going. Tony saw what was happening and pulled closer to Willow.

Making eye contact with Connor, Willow hit the gas, and turned down the east ramp to Interstate 20. Tony followed suit and in an instant, they were past the Indiana Avenue overpass. 

Willow continued to speed up until she reached an exit. Then, she turned right on Highway 27, breezed through the intersection, and again, hit the gas. Tony was right on her heels when they got to Warriors Trail. Willow abruptly turned right and headed for the Oak Park Subdivision. Reaching Lee Road, she turned left, headed south past the community water system, and turned into the McKenzie Estates.

The security gate was locked, so she called Woody for the security code. She punched it in and the gates opened, allowing both cars to enter and then closed behind them. Slowing her pace, she waved Tony past her, down to the parking garage. The door was open and Willow motioned for Tony to drive the Mustang inside. 

Tony stepped out saying, “Now, that was an interesting ride.”

At that moment, Woody pulled up in his big Ford 250 pickup. Olga opened the door into the garage from the house and asked, “What’s all the excitement?”

“We’re just having some fun. Olga, let me introduce you to a couple of friends, Tony and John. Tony and John, this is my cousin Woody, and his wife, Olga.”

Tony said, “It is great to meet both of you.”

John said, “It is nice to meet relatives of Willow.”

Woody said, "Likewise. Why don’t y’all come inside for a few minutes? I know Willow is in a hurry, but you’ve got time for a glass of tea or something else to drink.”

“A glass of tea will suit me just fine,” said Tony.

“Likewise for me,” John said.

“Willow, how about you? Tea or something stronger?”

“Thanks, Olga. I’ll have a glass of iced tea, also.”

Willow asked, “Olga, what are you doing tomorrow?”

“The usual. What do you need?”

“I’m gonna take Woody up on an offer he made, for you to help me at the courthouse. I want to begin a records search tomorrow.”

“Willow, I’ll be glad to help. After I drop Anne off at school at nine, I can meet you at the courthouse.”

“That would be great.”

“You seem to be a bit on edge,” Woody said. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes. Connor tried to stop me as I was heading out here.”

“What did he do?”

“We were on Warrington Road and I met him head on. He swerved toward me, but I hit the gas and got away.”

“He knows you’re staying at your old home.”

“I presume so.”

“Willow, if you feel uneasy, you and Tony are welcome to stay with us.”

“Woody, I appreciate that, but we’ll be okay.”

Tony, wanting to ease the tension, said, “Woody, this surely is a nice place. I know you and the family enjoy living in the ‘country,’ yet so close to your office.”

“You’re right, Tony. We enjoy this country living. I wouldn’t be happy living in one of those neighborhoods.”

“That’s interesting. In New York where I live in a condo, I share common walls with my neighbors. I don’t know them, but occasionally we meet on the elevator or in the hallway.”

Willow said, “We need to go.”

“Okay, but I wish you would stay just tonight. You seem to be so wound up.”

“Woody, we’ll do that soon.  But now, we need to get back home. I will take you up on that offer to grill a steak.”

“Just let me know. We’ll put on a meal fit for a king or queen, in your case. We’ll try to get Uncle Rupert out, also.”

“Now, that would be truly wonderful. I’ve just got to spend a lot of time with Daddy. Is your security gate open?”

“No, but I’ll have it open by the time you get there.”

*  *  *

Woody gave Willow thirty minutes to get home. Then he called, “Willow, are you inside? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Woody. Everything is under control. Thank you so much for everything. See you tomorrow.”

Willow invited John to join them at her house.

“Tony and John have you ever eaten cheese grits? Some people in the South call them ‘belly paste.’ Mixed with cheese, this Southern dish is quite good. My stomach needs something soothing. All of that rich food, like the crab claws and crab cakes with hollandaise sauce, has my digestive system crying for some relief.”

“The cheese grits sound just fine,” said John. “But, I haven’t had all of that rich food the two of you apparently enjoyed in New Orleans. So, I could go for something else if you have it.”

“Sorry, John. That’s it.” 

“Willow, being Yankee born and bred and having not traveled out of the northeast, I would love tasting your Southern delicacies,” said Tony.

“I think dry toast, grits, and scrambled eggs are just what we need. Why don’t you get comfortable while I cook? Looks like Mamie put the newspaper on the coffee table.”

Tony opened the paper to the sports section.

“I thought you were an investment broker,” John said sarcastically. “I’m surprised you’re interested in sports.

“All work and no play, makes Tony a dull boy. I really enjoy baseball and football in the New York area. Looks like high school sports are a major activity for this community.”

“Tony, not only this community, but the entire southeast. The best football conference in the nation is the South Eastern Conference (SEC). We produce more NFL players than any other region of the country. SEC teams always come out on top in the bowl games.”

“Yeah, but the Big East Conference is the preeminent leader in basketball.”

“Maybe so, but in the sports world, what really matters is football.”

“I don’t see much financial news in this paper. Aren’t y’all interested in the stock market?”

“Tony, you need to understand. We, in the South, are focused on surviving day-to-day and don’t have the luxury of owning large stock portfolios. Some do, but the majority of our people are blue collar workers and occupy the lower end of the economic scale.”

“Don’t you have financial advisors in the community?”

“Yes, but the percentage in the population is quite low.”

“Sounds like you might need to open up an office here to help these poor people,” said John.

Willow was offended by that comment but let it pass without making a comment. She opened one of the cabinet doors above the counter. Sitting right in front of her were a pair of cups, inscribed with her name and Connor’s. The cups were an eighth grade gift from her mother. They were the last gift she received from her mother before her death. She wondered what her mother would think about the situation with Connor. And, what would she think about her relationship with Tony.

Willow stood in front of the kitchen sink looking out the window into the back yard. Memories of Connor, Woody, and her playing in the yard flooded her mind. She became fixated staring out, but not seeing anything except what was in her mind.

Tony walked up behind her, put his arms around her waist, and asked, “Is everything okay?”

Shaken from her daydream, she nodded. “Yes. I’m ok. Are you ready for a good Southern breakfast at eight in the evening?”

“Yes. It smells good. May I butter the toast?”

“That would help. I’ll dish up the eggs and cheese grits. How about a big glass of cold milk?”

“Sounds good.”

As Willow and Tony finished eating, Tony said, “I’ll wash the dishes.”

“No need to do that. Mamie will come tomorrow. All you need to do is put them in the sink.”

”Are you sure? I’ve never had a maid, so this is new to me. Mess up, but you don’t have to clean up?”

“That’s right, Tony. You’re in the South now, where living is easy.”

“And, you’re Daddy’s rich and the cotton is high,” Tony laughed.

“You got it, Tony. Can you get used to this?”

“I believe I can. At least I’m willing to give it the ole college boy’s try.”

John interrupted asking, “Willow, may I speak to you in private?”

Willow looked surprised. “Well, yes. Tony, will you excuse us for a few minutes?