Serial Separation (7 page)

“Nice strong handshake there, Scott. I like strong men.” She moved to Paddy, doing the same. “Paddy, thanks for letting me join the team, then first thing tomorrow. Thank you both for your time today. I think I’m really going to enjoy this more than I ever imagined,” she said, looking at Paddy, then over her shoulder at me.

Now I felt like the deer in the headlights. She was out of the office in four easy strides. I watched her go down the stairs, red hair billowing behind her.

“Well, Scott, what do you think?”

“She seems like the total package to me.”

He smiled. “No, I was talking about your joining the team.”

Chapter 17

“Well, it’s about time you came in to see us. Where have you been keeping yourself, Mike?”

“Well, when the last task force ended, I went back to my precinct. However, we’re in operation again investigating the recent ‘Torso’ murders. How have you been, Maggie?”

“I’m very good, actually. I recently got engaged,” she said, smiling and waving her ring finger.

“Congratulations . . . very nice.”

“Mike, it’s good to see you . . . what can I get you?”

“I’ll have a draft. Bring two of them; I’m expecting someone.”

“Coming right up.”

It was early, so there were not many patrons in the small pub. He remembered all of the hours they used to spend here during the last task force. They would come to get away from the office, many times a discussion over a beer or two, the separation allowing them to see something they hadn’t recognized.

Now that Scott was going to be on the task force, he wanted to get updated on how Scott and Lisa had been. He remembered during the last task force, he’d spent many hours with Scott and was his mentor. They had many hours to talk about personal things. He even had Scott over for dinner at his house; his wife and kids enjoyed his company.

Although Scott was quite a bit younger, he hoped their friendship would continue long after the task force assignment. He was happy Paddy had consented to let Scott join the team. He hoped his conversation with Paddy had helped.

His thoughts were interrupted by Maggie flipping the coasters on the table from about six feet away. It was a tradition at the Harvard Pub, but it always surprised the first-time customers.

He acknowledged their arrival. “You haven’t lost your touch.”

“It would be interesting to see if the skill is something I could use later in life, but I really doubt it.” She placed two tall mugs on the coasters and added, “It looks like your friend has arrived.”

Mike looked over to see Scott headed his way. Mike noticed Maggie staying beside the table; he thought she was waiting to be introduced again to Scott.

“Hi, Mike.”

“Hello, Scott, I’m glad you could make it. You might remember Maggie; Maggie this is Scott Tucker.”

“Hello, Maggie. I do remember you. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Scott, oh, I remember you now . . . you’re attending Harvard.”

“Hopefully, this is my last year, but we’ll have to see.”

“Keep it up, and I hope to see you both again soon.” She was off to take care of other customers.

“Well, Scott, it’s good to be able to spend some time with you. We’ve got some catching up to do. Do you have any plans for the holidays?”

“Thanks for the invite. I think I need to talk to someone. As far as the holidays go, that’s a trick question. I’m supposed to be with Lisa at her parents’ house for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas. Later, Christmas Day, I’m going to go to my parents’ in Maine. Lisa and I have tentative plans to go skiing over New Year’s, but that’s up in the air with the task force role.”

“Do I sense some reservation about going to Lisa’s?”

“Mike, you haven’t lost your touch.”

“Well, maybe we should start there . . . what’s up?”

“Mike, this might take some time and I don’t know where to start.”

“Take all the time you need. I think they’ve got enough beer to keep us going. Scott . . . if I can help at all, I would be happy to do it. You know that.” Mike noticed Scott’s expression change.

“I guess the best place to start is with my last call to Lisa. It ended with us having words.”

“Oh my, that doesn’t sound like the lovers I remember.”

“You’re right on target again. The other night I was supposed to call her, but because I told you guys that I knew the two murdered men, I was late calling her. I’ve since explained the situation as to why I called late, but now she’s worried that I could be one of the next victims.”

“You should have told me that you needed to make the call. I could have arranged for you to have a few minutes.”

“It’s never easy to call her dorm; if you can get through it takes a few minutes to get her to the phone. Besides, I felt uncomfortable asking to make a call, and there never seemed to be a break in the questioning either. I just let it go, but I should have called her.”

Mike waved his arm, pushing the issue aside. “I want to get to what you knew about those guys, but right now I sense that things are not what they used to be with Lisa. Is there anything I can do?”

“Mike, I think her problem goes back to the Jimmy Ballou incident. You know how I found her and what Jimmy looked like he was doing with her. She has been real cool since then, and we haven’t been intimate since. We get close, but I can tell she’s not with the program. I just hold her tight and let the need pass.”

Maggie came to the table and interrupted their conversation. “Maggie, I think we need at least one refill. Thanks.”

Mike wanted to help him. “I believe you’re right in what she is feeling. In my opinion, she’s still having trauma over the ordeal. If you push her, she might say or do something that would shock you. She does need to get some help. Maybe Paddy could suggest someone to help her.”

“As far as New Year’s goes, you should get away with her and tell her what you believe is bothering her. The task force will survive without you. Don’t let that get in the way of your relationship. You need to help her realize she needs to get help.”

“Mike . . . thanks for taking the time to talk with me. I really don’t have anyone else to talk to. I know she’s fragile; if I bring it up, she might just explode. I know you’re right, and I’m going to have to discuss it with her.”

Maggie brought their refills. “Here’s to your help with the task team. Cheers.”

“I know you also want to talk about the murdered guys, Bob Sullivan, and the hockey league.”

Mike smiled, looking over his mug. “Before we go there, I want to know how your interview went, more importantly, what you thought of Mercedes.”

“Maggie, why don’t you bring us a large order of onion rings?”

She nodded and asked, “Do you want me to bring another refill with the onion rings, or are you guys okay?”

Mike answered, “Sure, we’re going to be here a while.”

“Mercedes is quite the package. I don’t remember ever meeting anyone like her. She’s uncomfortably attractive, has the longest legs I’ve ever seen, and totally took me by surprise when we shook hands. She has strong hands, like Killer Kowalski’s, and she knows it.”

“I know I can share this with you; she makes me feel very defensive. If we were playing hockey, she would be the one making the moves. I’m not comfortable with her at all, but I guess I will have to work on it. I felt like I wasn’t thinking correctly in her presence . . . and I think Paddy noticed it.”

Mike smiled. “I think if you spend more time with her you’ll get more comfortable. I’ll try to be sensitive to it and help if I can. She created a similar stir downstairs with the guys.”

“Mike, that reminds me. When I came in the front door for the meeting, Mercedes was already upstairs, and I caught Colleen with her skirt at mid-thigh. So, she’s had an impact on more that just the guys downstairs.”

Mike let out a loud laugh, and we both looked to see who had noticed. The timing was perfect with Maggie bringing our order.

“Sounds like you guys are having a good time over here.” She smiled and turned.

“Scott, what about these guys? What does your gut tell you?”

“First of all, the league consisted of almost a hundred guys. We would scrimmage late at night, but on Friday and Saturday nights the rink was packed for team games. There were guys on different teams who were a higher caliber than many of us. They were intimidating on the ice. They threw their weight around, and it forced the rest of us to keep our heads up. However, when someone would get a good check on them . . . the house would explode with cheers. These three guys—Paul Maloney, Tony Sangello, and Bob Sullivan—were all in that category.”

“That is a very interesting observation. You know we had no idea these guys played in the same hockey league until you brought it to our attention. It might not be any connection, but if Bob’s torso is found, it looks like it may be a key connection. Can you think of any other guys with the same caliber of play?”

“There were only a couple of others, but I wasn’t in that group. I just did my thing, but watched some of my teammates go out of their way to catch these guys in a hard check. Sometimes in practice sessions, guys would come to blows due to hard checking. In practice, we weren’t supposed to hit anyone, but there were no officials to dish out any punishment for the action.”

“To answer your question, Jason Johnston was one of those guys. We called him ‘Tippy’ since he had a very successful and unique move on the goalie. His close friends called him ‘JJ.’ He was a well-built black guy, and I remember no one ever picked a fight with him.”

Mike pulled out a copy of the article I had given him. “Scott, look at this picture and tell me if anyone else fits the style you mentioned.”

I looked at the familiar picture and studied the faces. “There were others, but now that I see the faces again, none that were the caliber of those four.”

“Scott, I lay you odds that Bob Sullivan does turn up a victim. What I can’t give you odds on is why they are being killed.”

Chapter 18

I really enjoyed talking with Mike. Although we had talked on the phone several times, seeing him in person at the pub was better than expected. His input was what I needed to hear, to validate my thoughts about Lisa’s behavior. The trick was how to bring it up without creating additional problems.

It was eight o’clock, a good time to reach her at the dorm.

I dialed her number, going through the usual routine to get her to the phone. There should be a better way, but it would only be a problem for a few more months.

Finally—“Hello.”

“Hi, Lisa. How are you?”

“Fine. I’m sorry about our last phone call . . . I guess the holidays have me on edge.”

“It’s okay. We can talk about it when we’re together. What plans do you want to make?”

“You’re still invited for Christmas Eve dinner at my parents’ house tomorrow night. Do you still want to come?”

“I’d love to. I’ve missed being with you.”

“Do you want to drive together or take two cars?”

“Well, I told my parents I would see them Christmas Day. So I need my car to get there. I could drive you, if you don’t need your car?”

“No, I better drive. I don’t know what plans my parents have, and they might not be able to drive me back. I’m also not sure if I’m staying any longer than that.”

“What about Christmas Day?”

“We’re supposed to have some snow, so why don’t you plan to stay overnight. We had talked about your staying overnight, and the snowstorm might make it hard to drive to Maine. However, that’s up to you.”

I could feel her mood changing. I needed to reinforce wanting to be with her. “Lisa, I would like to be with you on Christmas morning . . . . it’s a special time and . . . well . . . I want to be with you.”

“Scott, I’m sorry we have been . . . well . . . not our usual selves. I guess I get the feeling you want to be somewhere else.”

“Lisa, you are the most special person in my life. I want to spend my time with you.”

“I’ve been out of sorts lately, and I think it’s the change of routine. Not having classes every day has thrown me for a loop. Judy and I . . . well, we talked about how . . . well, I guess that can wait until I see you. It’s kind of hard to talk on this phone with people around.”

I almost thought she was going to give me the opportunity to talk to her about her behavior, but it would have to wait until we’re together.

“So, what time do you want me at your parents’?”

“If you get to my parents’ by seven thirty that will give us enough time to have a drink before dinner. By the way, what have you thought about New Year’s weekend? Judy asked if she should still make the reservations.”

I wanted to talk with her about this tomorrow, but I had to let her know something. “I think I can get away, so why don’t you have her make the plans.”

There was background noise on the phone, and I wondered if she was still there. “Lisa?”

“Yes, I’m here. I was just thinking about what you said. It doesn’t seem like you are really interested in getting away. Why don’t we skip New Year’s and you can do your own thing. I’m sure you can find something to keep you busy over the holiday weekend.”

“Lisa, it’s not that at all. I talked with Mike about getting away, and he said I basically could go.”

“That’s nice . . . I’m glad you don’t need a note from me.”

“Lisa, please. This isn’t my girl talking. We need to talk about—”

She interrupted. “That’s the point, Scott, who
is
your girl?”

“Lisa, that’s not fair. You are—” I never had a chance to finish. All I heard was a click, followed by the dial tone.

Chapter 19

He was familiar with this routine, waiting on the couch for Dottie. There was less activity than usual in the reception area, since many students had already left for the winter break.

He noticed Dottie approaching, and she looked festive in her red sweater.

“JJ, how are you doing?”

“I’m doing okay; you look very nice.”

“Thank you. I thought if we are going shopping it would put me in the holiday spirit to wear red. Are you ready?”

“Let’s go; the cab is outside.”

Jeremy told the cab where to go, heard him grumble something about the downtown traffic, but flipped the flag, gunned it, and they were off.

“JJ, I just saw Lisa. She was on the phone, and I saw her hang it up . . . she must have been talking with Scott. Judy says she’s been acting strangely, but I guess I never saw it first hand. Every time I see her she’s in control. I wonder what has her upset. I’m more than curious as to whether Scott and Lisa will be still going skiing with us New Year’s.”

Jeremy considered his own situation and bit his tongue.

Dottie whispered, “JJ, are we okay?”

“Sure we are. Why are you asking that?” He knew why she asked.

“You’ve been acting strangely.”

He thought he had done a good job of hiding his problem.

“We all have some pressure at semester end . . . that’s all.”

He looked out the window to hide his eyes.

Dottie studied him. “We all have pressure just like you said, but, honey, I’ve known you for many semesters, and you have never behaved like this.”

“Can we talk about this when we’re alone?”

“Surrre. Let’s do that. Hopefully, you’ll remember to tell me and not your other friend, what’s bothering you.”

“Is that what you think . . . that I have someone else?”

“You know, Jeremy, we haven’t made love in weeks . . . in fact, I can’t remember the last time we were together that way. Can you?”

He put his finger to his lips.

“No, Jeremy, I won’t be quiet any longer. It’s time you either told me what’s bothering you, or tell me you have someone else. I can’t take your being somewhere else when we’re together. If you really love me, you have to share what’s bothering you.” She paused looking at him.

“JJ, I love you with all my heart, but you’re killing me. Please, please tell me right now, right here . . . I don’t give a shit about him,” she said, pointing to the driver.

However, at that moment, the driver stopped the cab and announced they had arrived. Dottie started to cry and jumped out of the cab. Jeremy fumbled with his wallet and tossed the driver a twenty, which more than covered the fare and tip. He ran after her, caught up with her, and grabbed her by the arm.

Dottie slapped at his hand, yelling, “Let me go . . . get your hands off me . . . I’ve had it.”

They were drawing the attention of people on the sidewalk.

“Dottie, it’s not what you think.” He grabbed her around the waist and turned her to face him. “Dottie, it’s not someone else. I love you . . . but something happened to me . . . I can’t talk about it.”

She stopped her struggling, and people went back to what they were doing. “If you love me, you know I love you, but you have to share what’s wrong so I can help you.”

He guided her to the nearest bench.

“Why haven’t you made love to me in over a month?”

He looked into her eyes, trying to beg her to let it go.

They were both silent for a while. “Okay, Jeremy. If you promise to tell me real soon I will let it drop. But you have to know that not knowing what’s bothering you . . . well, it gives me all kinds of ideas about what it could be. Those things could be worse than whatever has been bothering you. If we’re going to have a future together, we have to start sharing the bad with the good.”

Jeremy was glad the situation was defused but realized he had to show her more affection, if he could, or risk losing her.