《A Dagger Through Dimensions》


 Chapter 1 An Alley and A Headache

    One minute, I¡¯m thinking about the wonderfully hot body that is right in front of me as I turn with her into an alley. But as soon as Miss Wonderful turns around, I¡¯m face down on the pavement with a headache, wondering why I¡¯m seeing my ancestors. Not their ghostly souls, mind you. No, flesh and blood people that I remember from pictures. None of them appeared thrilled to see me.


    ¡°You¡¯re kind of scrawny and not very bright. But I suppose you¡¯ll do Mr. Kennicott.¡± The dissatisfied sigh coming from those sensuous lips shot through my muddled brain.


    However, I wasn¡¯t paying complete attention. As I¡¯m on the ground, an image of my great-grandma¡¯s stern gaze of disapproval appeared. While I never met the old relative, I gathered stories about Blanche Kennicott. She led a local temperance movement back in the ancient past and would never approve of me getting drunk and following this temptress. Judging by my great-grandma¡¯s censorious expression that I witnessed in my foggy mind; I knew her disappointment came from the number of beers, which made me stupid. Only an idiot drinking too much goes into a dark place with a stranger.


    Yeah, tell me about it, granny!


    Through the series of events over the course of a few minutes with Miss Wonderful, I absorbed several lessons that night. First, a guy should never believe his lying eyes when a mysterious babe suddenly comes on to him. Another lesson is that a guy needs to be damn skeptical of a beauty who starts using words like ¡°trust me, I need a guy like you¡±, ¡°let¡¯s find some place quiet¡±, and ¡°I¡¯ll rock your world¡±.


    But the key lesson I learned at that moment was that I can be a sap.


    For you generation whatever types, a sap means a foolish or gullible person. Additionally, it¡¯s the description of a handy device that knocked me right into this mess. You see, a sap also describes a little device that old-time detectives, cops, and thugs used to soften up their victims.


    They¡¯re easy to make. All you need is a couple of pieces of leather about the size of your hand, sew them up, then fill the insides with lead buckshot. Now you¡¯ve got a nice bludgeon. Slap it on the ribs long enough and guys want to produce answers to whatever questions you ask. Indeed, pop someone behind the ear and they go down like a rock.


    That¡¯s how I first discovered their use when a guy used a sap on my noggin when I struggled and looked up at Miss Wonderful.


    While I said hello to my long-dead relatives in a moment of semi-consciousness, two gorillas in human skin lifted me to my feet. That¡¯s when I see the leather weapon in a massive hand holding my arm. There¡¯s no reason to strike me again since I¡¯m not standing on my own anytime soon, as my legs are sagging out like a scarecrow¡¯s flopping in a strong wind. All the same, I felt another thump ring through my skull from the second gorilla.


    Then, I¡¯m talking with my imaginary childhood friend while my head falls forward and I see Miss Wonderful¡¯s shoes under the alley light above us.


    My hair hurts when she lifts my head, but I¡¯m finally back to recognizing the woman who commanded my muggers. She¡¯s got a mischievous gaze with her piercing eyes searching my soul. Her delicate nose and full lips gave her the look of royalty. Her wavy tawny hair lay long over her bare shoulders, leading my eyes downward to look at her breasts once again.


    I¡¯m such a damn fool!


    Somehow, I decided that there was no way that I¡¯m getting mugged without at least giving a fight. While I¡¯m still mostly bendable, like a gummy bear at this point, I suddenly shake off the grip on my left arm and swing around at the guy next to me. I¡¯m aiming for the bastard¡¯s balls, and I nail him. A gratifying grunt comes from the son of a bitch grunt, but his vice-like grip loosens only a little. While I was trying to shake loose, a rib shot from thug number two hit me with a concrete fist from the other side. I¡¯m man enough to admit I crumpled at the impact. That¡¯s what happened when one lung smashed into the other one. Before I can fall, still unable to breathe correctly, I feel my arms lifted along with the rest of me. I¡¯m dangling in the air with expectations that more pain is coming.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Miss Wonderful commanded her goons.


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    My gaze somehow comes back to that sweet stack of a woman standing in front of me.


    Did she suddenly care about me now?


    Nope!


    I can tell by those hypnotic eyes inspecting me like I¡¯m the fresh catch of the day at the seafood shop.


    ¡°That¡¯s good! You need a bit of feisty to stand up against what¡¯s coming. Just remember to use your brain as well! You get this right and I¡¯ll see you again.¡±


    I see her lick her lips and smile with too-perfect teeth. My brain screamed at my body to do something.


    Too late!


    Her punch into my diaphragm set off shock waves as the abdomen muscles seized up tighter than a virgin''s pussy. Both lungs decided to quit in protest. While I¡¯m twitching around, gasping for air like a dying fish, Miss Wonderful elaborates on my situation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it only hurts for a little while. Just stay alive. Your world is about to change! I really hope that you can survive.¡±


    To say that I went out instantly is a lie. I feel my body hoisted, then dropped onto concrete. I hear a grunt, which I¡¯m certain is mine. The three kidnappers are standing above me, or I think so, since they are fuzzy when my eyelids occasionally open. A dazzling light appears with a high-pitched whining sound, forcing me to jerk my head in pain. The noise reminds me of a jet engine trying to start. Then everything is black.


    When I figured out some of what happened the next day, I must agree with one of Miss Wonderful¡¯s promises. That bitch certainly rocked my world. Now, I just wish I could find her.


    I want to give her the grafting gift of my fists, busting out her pretty teeth! It¡¯s the image I had when everything finally went black.


    The worst hangover in the history of humankind struck me when I woke. No, it was more than a hangover even though, at first, I figured the whole beat down in the alley was just part of a terrible drunken dream. Then, I made the mistake of moving my body.


    ¡°FUCK!¡±


    My eyes open at the ache in my ribs. But the light it too bright so I closed my eyes and rotated my head. No alley anymore, just an interior wall I noticed in that brief instant.


    Inside a screwed-up brain, I¡¯m trying to avoid puking my guts out while considering the night¡¯s events. Staying completely still, I carefully felt around my pockets for my wallet and cell phone. But they¡¯re gone.


    Naturally, I was fucking robbed!


    The chair squeaks under me when I drop my hands while my head still lies on the top of the desk. The action makes me groan out loud as my ribs still ache from the thug¡¯s fists. My eyes remain shut while my mind is still sorting out what the hell happened.


    Somehow, I got back to my apartment.


    Opening my eyes, the light in the room remains too bright, and I squint as I¡¯m looking at a picture frame. My focus on the picture makes me blink several times. Then, it slowly sunk in as I got that icy chill along my back when things don¡¯t look right. It¡¯s a picture of a diploma of some sort hanging on a grimy pale green wall that has dark wainscoting halfway up.


    I¡¯ve never seen this damn place!


    I close my eyes again, desperately hoping that I¡¯m still in that twilight zone spot between sleep and awake. It is likely someone took pity on me and allowed me to stay overnight. There are some suckers like that. Then I froze. Was I kidnapped?


    But you¡¯re not tied up, you idiot!


    That¡¯s when the damn sound finally got inside my head like an earworm. Some asshole kept typing away in another room, each tap tap tap growing louder and louder than my head felt ready to pop from the pain. Finally, in desperation, I got to my feet and stumbled to the unfamiliar door. The movement gave my ribcage a reason to complain, and I grasped my side where the human gorilla struck me. The typing is still going on.


    Stop it! Stop it!


    I¡¯m not sure that I actually yelled out the words screaming in my head. However, I know that a desperate rage mixed with more than a little fright filled me when I burst into the adjacent office.


    Then, I stopped in my tracks!


    When you expect to meet someone, you maintain expectations. Little things like what does the person will look like, or will they like me or not, come to mind. You certainly don¡¯t expect to see an empty chair behind the desk.


    No, that¡¯s not correct.


    Seeing isn¡¯t the actual word, more like experiencing this crazy event. There was nobody in the chair at the desk, but there I was staring at the machine like a drunk trying to read the menu at a fast-food counter. That¡¯s because the typewriter strikers busily slapping against the paper inside the roller.


    NO FREAKING WAY!


    There is no person in the chair. That¡¯s right, it¡¯s empty, and my overloaded brain has another thought.


    Nobody uses a typewriter anymore!


    To say I was stunned is more than an understatement. My eyes popped out of my head like a cartoon character. I slowly circle the desk while trying to figure out what I¡¯m watching. Sticking out my finger, I pushed at the expected invisible person sitting there, but my hand kept going. Still, the damned typewriter kept working. Finally, I looked closely at the words on the paper. It¡¯s a letter asking someone for payment. At this point, my brain laughed back at me in that maniacal laugh of crazy people in movies.


    It¡¯s a damn dream. An absolutely fucking crazy dream.


    My first time in that screwed-up office sent me to the door as I hurried out of there. I still had hopes that the nightmare would quickly end. How wrong I was!

 Chapter 2 A Screwy Year

    Getting outside of the building didn¡¯t change anything. When I exited through a glass and wood front door, I¡¯m in the middle of even more weird shit. The street in front of me is the first thing I see, along with cars and trucks out past the sidewalk. Sounds pretty much normal until you notice that every car and truck is a damn antique. I mean freaking big cars that have really rounded fenders and lots of chrome shining in the sunlight. I walked up to the curb and actually touched the blue car just to make sure it was not an illusion. The trunk emblem says it¡¯s a Nash!


    Seriously, who ever heard of that name for a car?


    ¡¯m getting really odd looks from the people walking by me. Sure, I get it. They see a guy hunched down while stabbing his finger into the side of a car. That¡¯s pretty bizarre. Then, I stare at a couple passing by on the sidewalk. My first thought is they are going to church or some place special. She¡¯s wearing a dress with a wild looking partial hat stuck in her hair. The guy¡¯s got on a suit and sporting a hat like my great grandpa used to wear. Scanning around the area, I see two men dressed in suits across the street and they¡¯re carrying leather briefcases.


    That¡¯s when I figured out that my blue jeans with a bright yellow tee shirt under my winter jacket make me look like a damn idiot. Also, I finally noticed how damn hot the temperature is outside and I¡¯m sweating bullets. Unzipping my jacket, I retreated back into the building.


    ¡°I need to calm down and think this out,¡± I mumble to myself, and I push through the doors.


    Retracing my path back to the office while I¡¯m taking off my stifling coat, I stopped in front of the office door. I didn¡¯t close the door when I left but there now it¡¯s shut and I¡¯m looking at the name of Lane Dagger on the door. Even weirder are the smaller letters underneath which spell out Private Investigator.


    At that point, I started laughing, but not the cheerful sound of enjoyment. No, the sound came out like a strange cross of madness and desperation. Then, I threw up all over the door.


    I don¡¯t remember how long I stood there after the cry finished. Eventually, I smelled the foul stench of beer mixed with gastric acid, which brought me back to the reality of my plight. I opened the door, nearly falling inside while trying to avoid the stinking mess on the floor.


    Fortunately, the typewriter was quiet as I went straight into the next room. I closed the door using my back, then slid down to the floor. I even touched the surrounding surfaces just to make sure nothing I saw might be an illusion.


    I¡¯m either insane, or that bitch has fucked me!


    ¡°Probably both,¡± I cackled out the words aloud while trying to hold back the desperation filling me. I remembered reading something about panic making the situation worse.


    After a moment, my brain rationalizes. Yes, this whole thing is some damn crazy hallucination that¡¯s so real that I¡¯m unable to wake from it. Then, I wonder if I¡¯m going through some damn CIA experiment like they did in the 60s.


    ¡°Sure, it makes sense since I¡¯m sure that I¡¯m a government drone,¡± I sarcastically told the silent office.


    Then another thought comes through, reminding me I¡¯m not a guy named Lane Dagger. Yeah, there¡¯s no way that I¡¯m this person, much less a private detective.


    Still, it hurt my pride when I realized all the rationalization came down to one thing.


    This new place scares me. Everything is different and unfamiliar.


    That¡¯s when I was glad that I didn¡¯t say out loud the hundreds of things running through my mind.


    Sebastian Kennicott doesn¡¯t like different!


    Man, I hated how I sounded like a coward. My face frowns at that realization.


    ¡°But you are not Sebastian Kennicott here,¡± my voice suddenly spilled out as I came to another possibility.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s possible that I¡¯m making this up in my head, why not go with the flow?¡± I kept talking to myself as I searched for hope. ¡°Or it¡¯s like those tropes I¡¯ve seen in anime, that reincarnation stuff.¡±


    Now, I¡¯m normally quiet, so talking to the empty room felt really unnatural at the moment.


    ¡°I¡¯m nuts, a complete ratchet, so maybe I will figure out how to leave. If I drive far enough, I¡¯ll wake up.¡±


    Not likely.


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    ¡°But what are you afraid of?¡± my voice grumbled aloud. ¡°If that bitch killed me, I¡¯ve gone through the worst of it.¡±


    Again, not likely!


    After shaking my head, I crawled to my feet. While I still hoped that I¡¯d wake up in my comfortable bed eventually, those prospects appeared to be drifting away from me.


    ¡°Damn, I hate this crap!¡±


    The chair squeaked in protest when I sat down behind a shabby wood desk. A couch with a pillow and a blanket tucked at one side sat on the other side of the room. Near the end of the couch stood a coat rack next to the door. I noticed clothing hanging underneath a couple of hats.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, what am I supposed to do about the vomit outside the office?¡±


    The sexy voice filling the room made me jump. I swiveled around to see a small wood box with a speaker hole sitting on the desk.


    There¡¯s a voice?


    Seeing a switch under the speaker and I flipped it. For a moment, I didn¡¯t know what to say. My brain seized up like a rusty nut.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Is there a janitor in the building?¡± I finally stammered. Now, I¡¯m feeling pretty bad for the person but I¡¯m happy to give the job to someone else. After a long pause, I hear from the invisible woman again.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll have Carl take care of it,¡± her voice left me with the impression that I just dropped to zero in the respect department.


    Good ol¡¯ Carl isn¡¯t going to be my friend, I thought.


    Look, what do I care? I reminded myself. They¡¯re just characters. I¡¯ll bet they reset like a dungeon game when I get out of this place. I decided I would play along with this game. Sure, it might be a trope, but my sanity required something I could hold on to at the moment. I shrugged after deciding to change clothes.


    When in Rome...


    First, I checked out the clothing hanging by the door. Somehow, I expected the stuff was probably unwashed, and that caused me to scowl. I pulled off a long-sleeved white shirt and sniffed it as I wondered who wears long sleeves in summer. I could only smell a soupy scent and smiled. The shirt went on after pulling off my tee-shirt. I noticed the sleeves were a bit short for my arms, but I didn¡¯t care at this point. However, I wasn¡¯t happy about the ugly blue pinstripe pants. Made of wool, the pants hung sloppily around my waist.


    Crap!


    I looked over to find suspenders, figured out how to use them, and the damn pants finally hung around my belly. As I thought that was a stupid way to dress, I tucked in my shirt and found keys on a keyring in the pocket with some change. After sliding on my suit coat, I noticed a wallet in the chest pocket.


    ¡°Ok, this might help me,¡± I sighed.


    Inside, I found a driver¡¯s license which showed the address of 15 Maiden Lane along with the town¡¯s name.


    Stull Junction?


    Shrugging, I went back to my small inventory of items, which included twelve dollars that showed a banner stating silver certificate on the top. I also found a couple of telephone numbers scribbled on pieces of torn paper, and another card showing registration for a concealed weapon.


    That¡¯s right, I¡¯m a detective. It said so on the door. Then, shaking my head, I reconsidered my place in this screwed up town. Obviously, it¡¯s not a video game clich¨¦ that I fell into. I don¡¯t see any status screens and certainly I can¡¯t tell the HP/MP points of those people that I see. Flicking one dime I held into the air, it went up about a foot before landing on the desk.


    No superhuman strength, I decided.


    That fact bummed me out a bit as I went through a thin wooden box with a stenciled IN on the side. The inbox contained open mail, mostly letters from companies that I had never heard of. A glance showed me they wanted money from this guy Lane for things. One letter marked important came from a lawyer, but I didn¡¯t care to look at it further.


    Proceeding to the middle drawer, I found a little black book, along with another set of keys on a key ring, and junk that meant nothing to me. On the left side of the desk, I discovered a Colt Model 11 .45 caliber automatic rested comfortably between a couple of boxes of cartridges. How did I know the type of gun? Well, I grew up in a rural town where almost everyone had at least one gun in the house. In high school, my friends and I used to go down to the river and shoot at targets with all types of weapons. It was kind of second nature to know about such things before I went off to college.


    A typical small-town boy with an attitude!


    On the right side of the desk, I found a pack of cigarettes and a silver flask with the initials of LD from AD engraved on the body. I opened the top and grimaced at the smell of whiskey inside.


    No thanks, I thought.


    Even on a good day, I hate whiskey from the memories of a hangover that nearly matched the one this morning. I pulled out a few of the letters in the drawer as well. The return addresses had female names, and I noticed the perfume smell coming off some of them.


    ¡°Fuck, I guess this guy Lane does alright,¡± I told the quiet office.


    No way in hell that any of my two girlfriends would send me a perfumed letter, even when we dated.


    Still, the smell was nice, and it was the first bit of good news I had since I arrived.


    So what if it¡¯s a freaking trope private detective?


    Scanning the office as I put the wallet and black book into my suit coat, I spotted a small oval mirror on the wall. I went over, expecting the worst. What I found surprised me.


    The image staring back was me or a damn excellent copy. I still had my brown hair and green eyes. Even the slight trace of his scar on the chin from the football injury remained. I backed away, looking at my clothing, thinking I could wonder in the city now. Then, I noticed I was missing something.


    Yeah, everybody¡¯s wearing hats.


    I grabbed the gray one from the rack and put it on. It seemed to fit. Another peek in the mirror before I looked down at my sock covered feet and sighed. Searching the floor, I found a pair of leather shoes near the desk. I ran one foot up against the side of a shoe and frowned.


    That¡¯s not going to work. How can a guy have such small feet?


    Going back to my casual shoes, I sighed and thanked my unintentional foresight in wearing black shoes. Leaning over while using the wall as a brace with one hand, I slid my shoes on. My hand against the wall bumped into a calendar on the wall, which had a pin-up illustration above the calendar.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯d certainly get me by for a while,¡± I told a seductive raven-haired beauty who held a towel over her partially nude body as she smiled at me.


    Then, I saw the year.


    1940!

 Chapter 3 Leaving Crazy Town

    Disbelief shot through my brain when I saw the year. How in the hell is it 1940? Yeah, I¡¯m not stupid. I saw the strange car models and style. Of course, I¡¯m wearing the clothes but the reality of the situation smacked me hard. It meant more than just getting back to my world.


    Didn¡¯t Marty screw up the timeline back in the movie?


    Now, I¡¯m not a math guy. Hell, I never passed college algebra. But I enjoy reading enough to browse through articles about science and fiction, stuff about dimensions, time travel, and other cool things. I remembered the mathematicians seemed pretty consistent on the point that traveling back in time would destroy the person along the way. It¡¯s not like there¡¯s a working version of a TARDIS or Doc Brown¡¯s DeLorean hanging around outside. My fleeting thought came to a basic question.


    Was my body destroyed going back in time and this is my soul?


    No, that didn¡¯t make sense, I decided. After all, my appearance remained the same. Nothing showed me this place was those light novel fantasy stories about reincarnation into another body. On top of that, I doubt a soul gets through a wormhole. I kept telling myself that I needed to focus on this logically.


    Yeah, I got an invisible secretary! That¡¯s logical.


    Frowning, I went to the window and pushed my hand through the blinds to view the outside. The building across the street showed several open windows as I mulled over my predicament. I noticed people moving about inside some windows, realizing that other lives carried on.


    I¡¯m just one character of many. The cold reality of my observation forces me to think of two options which I didn¡¯t want to face.


    I¡¯m dead and this is my afterlife!


    Since I just can¡¯t buy the idea that I reincarnated into the past, that leaves another option.


    I¡¯m trapped in a time and space anomaly!


    Somehow, it made more sense until I thought the idea through. How can Miss Wonderful and her goons put me here? Doesn¡¯t that mean that I¡¯m trapped?


    ¡°Or am I?


    There was something running through my brain, a flicker of inspiration as I considered my keys and wallet. The whole scenario reminded me of the stages of grief. Now, I couldn¡¯t remember them all, but I certainly remembered the final two being depression and acceptance. At this point, I¡¯m going past the depression stage.


    Then, I cursed that Miss Wonderful bitch more than a few times while coming to terms with my situation.


    Entering the outer office, I still hoped to see the invisible woman. Somehow, I believed that seeing her in the flesh might help me get out of this place. Maybe she was a key.


    Again, that sounds like some fantasy, I thought as I dismissed the idea.


    I needed to focus.


    The chair made no movement in my presence, and I wasn¡¯t sure if she sat there or not. The honking of cars outside the open office window caught my attention. I carefully stepped to the window, looking out at the slightly busy street below. That¡¯s when I realized I needed help to find my car.


    ¡°If you¡¯re still here, can you tell me what my car looks like and where it might be parked?¡±


    My voice kind of squeaked out the words. Seriously, I sounded stupid talking to an empty chair. However, the chair moved, and the button flipped on the box at her desk. Her sexy voice came to me from the other room.


    I get it, it''s an intercom!


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, I swear that you¡¯ve got the brain of an amnesiac. I keep telling you it¡¯s a gray Hudson and you always park it out front or on the side street.¡±


    My mind stuttered at what I heard for several reasons. First, I can¡¯t hear the secretary in the room where I¡¯m standing.


    She realizes I can¡¯t talk directly to her and that I can¡¯t see her.


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    Second, this invisible being has intelligence. It¡¯s not a game NPC. However, the way she described Lane Dagger showed that he¡¯s lost his car before.


    ¡°What do you mean? When was the last time I asked?¡±


    I hear a sigh coming from the other room.


    ¡°You¡¯ve asked me at least five times this year.¡±


    What can that mean? Damn it, I don¡¯t need more mysteries!


    With that news, I left the crazy office on my way out of town.


    I¡¯m riding off into the sunset.


    When I stepped into the narrow hall, I nearly tripped over a steel bucket filled with dirty water. The old man holding the mop handle gave me a dirty look and I¡¯m betting that annoyed look reveals more than me bumping his pail. I apologized as I hurried away.


    When I got to the sidewalk, I stopped to take it in. More appropriately dressed, I looked around to see the reactions of the people. Like a scene from old movies, the men and women pass me, some even saying hello. But they¡¯re no longer staring at me like I have a third eye.


    While I survey the vehicles driven by are all antiques, it brings back a memory of an old car show when I was a kid. It brought a warm memory of nostalgia to my face. I took a deep breath and smelled the air. The traces of auto exhaust mixed with a nearby burning stove made me cough.


    It¡¯s not a dream and damn well not a game.


    Stepping away, I examined each gray car along the street. While I¡¯m walking along, a policeman talking into a call box at the corner grabbed my interest. He¡¯s a big guy in a navy-blue uniform, wearing a simple leather holster for his revolver. There¡¯s no radio attached to him or bulletproof vest, along with all the other things I recall the police wearing after I got pulled over for speeding.


    Mildly entranced at the scene, I started wondering where the guy¡¯s radio and car were located. However, the uniformed man noticed my gaze and took a long look my way. There was no doubt he recognized me. A sudden panic swept through me. Suppressing my nerves, I continued walking and turned the corner building while glancing back at the policeman. I noticed the cop lost interest in me when I looked back.


    When I turned around, I ran right into another sidewalk pedestrian. Luckily, neither of us went down as we both backed away in surprise at the light impact. That¡¯s when I recognized him.


    Boris Karloff!


    No freaking way!


    Seriously, I nearly knocked over the famous movie villain on the sidewalk. The same guy I remembered from watching all those Halloween movie nights over the years. While Karloff glared at me for a moment, he mumbled his apologies in that low, raspy voice and stepped by me. I stood there like a dipshit, trying to overcome a strange and ludicrous urge to ask for an autograph. By the time I picked up my jaw from the sidewalk; the man crossed the street. I noticed he kept looking back at me, growing visibly concerned as I stared after him. I suppose I looked like a rabid fan as I stood there. Then another thought strikes me. I get the insane notion that I¡¯m on a movie set.


    Oh, get real! Does this place look like a movie set?


    Shaking my head at the stupid idea, I continue to search. Finding a gray car along the street, I saw the badge on the Hudson logo on the trunk. I pulled out my keys and tried the handle on the driver¡¯s side. To my surprise, it opened, and I carefully got in. Now, the first thing I saw was a huge steering wheel and a wood console with only the speedometer on the driver¡¯s side. The fuel and temperature gauge are in the center of the car.


    Seriously?


    When I turned the key to start the car, the damn thing lurched forward. I look at my feet and see two pedals next to the gas pedal.


    Crap, I¡¯ve never driven a car with a manual transmission.


    I pressed my feet on pedals and started the car. After experimenting with the pedals, I figured out which is the clutch and the brake were since the gas pedal is obvious. Finally, I struggled to turn the steering wheel to pull out of the parking spot. Maybe I should just walk, I thought after the first try, when I nearly hit the car in front of me.


    Several hours later, I discovered that escape from my prison was impossible. Sure, you¡¯d think that just driving out of the town is easy. I drove every road out of Stull Junction. But the placed fucked with me. When I reached the city limits sign, a bright flash occurred and the next thing I know, I¡¯m driving back into Stull Junction on the same damn road. No need to tell you how screwed up that is, right?


    On the third attempt to flee this creepy city, the clouds grew dark overhead and a few minutes later; the rain started. With no map, I could only follow the street that led to highways. I stopped a few times at the occasional gas station I found and asked for directions. Unfortunately, the assistance I received only got me to the city limits.


    Yep, Stull Junction wouldn¡¯t let me leave. Oh, I know, it sounds nuts. But it happened each time I reached the city limit sign. A bright light blinded me for a split second, only to find that my car mysteriously did a 180 on the street and I¡¯m driving back how I came. After a couple of times, I kind of grew used to it. I believe my experiment proved that point.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to bet this place is somewhere in Hell!¡± I blurted out.


    Still, I wasn¡¯t going down without a fight. I continued to turn down one street, then the next. Finally, as the rain came down even harder, I took a road into the foothills that overlooked the city. I strongly suspected that the town probably didn¡¯t even exist on a map. The damn roads became just another puzzle that drove him on the verge of crazy.


    ¡°Come on; this has to go someplace!¡±


    Yes, I realize that I¡¯m shouting inside an empty car that my great grandfather probably would have liked.


    Hell, why not!


    It¡¯s dark, I¡¯m lost, and it¡¯s raining cats and dogs outside. Well, it¡¯s just a typhoon-like storm, but I figured animals falling out of the sky might come next. The car¡¯s wipers just smear buckets of water across the windshield. Logically, my howls of frustration over the din of rain, the grind of gears, along with the hellish road noise, didn¡¯t make much sense. At this point, I¡¯m just wanting to curl up and call it a day.


    It¡¯s a perfect end to my hellish day!

 Chapter 4 In through the Outdoor

    My foot pumped the clutch twice on that Hudson. My frustration at this shitty day made me grit my teeth while trying to force the car into the next gear down as the engine lagged. The heavy auto is a dog trying to go up the slight incline the road followed.


    ¡°Who in the hell puts the damn shifter on the steering wheel column?¡±


    Of course, my continued rage at the world didn¡¯t help me move the lever into the correct slot. On any other day, I might smile with pride after figuring out how ancient technology worked.


    Luckily, the car was crawling uphill, and somehow, I noticed movement along the edge of the narrow road. Before I realized it, a person came running in front of the car.


    ¡°What the¡­¡±


    I barely got the words out while slamming both pedals to the car floor. Now I locked his arms and legs, but I still felt my body sliding forward. Strangely, in the next few milliseconds, my mind remembered the car has no seat belts. That also told me that I would die against the enormous steering wheel. Instead, the car skidded to a stop.


    Staring through the sheets of rain, I felt stunned that the person outside avoided being struck. Fingers clutched around the steering wheel; I¡¯m sure that my eyes appeared ready to pop out of eye sockets. I¡¯m gawking at a woman in a soaked yellow dress rushing to the driver¡¯s side door. Frantically, she banged on the window. As I scrambled to find the handle to roll down the window, the woman¡¯s pleading voice came through.


    ¡°Please help me! I need someone¡¯s help.¡±


    A blast of rain struck my face when I got the window down.


    ¡°I need your help. It¡¯s my husband. He¡¯s trying to kill himself!¡± Her knuckles whitened as they clenched the sill of the window.


    ¡°Please, will you help me?¡±


    I sat there like a statue as my brain remained in first gear. The woman¡¯s expression hardened at my stunned look, and she suddenly ran around to the other side. My eyes followed her as the memory of her high cheekbones and gorgeous eyes appeared vaguely familiar, even with her long blonde hair plastered over part of her face.


    What is happening?


    After the woman practically spilled inside the passenger side along with the rain, I sat there trying to figure out what to do.


    ¡°Hurry, my house is this way,¡± she pointed to the paved road that I couldn¡¯t see.


    Her frantic voice finally goaded me into action. I fumbled around to get the driver¡¯s window up, before realizing that the car motor had stopped earlier when I braked. When I turned the key to restart the car, the vehicle lurched forward.


    Put the clutch in, you klutz!


    With an embarrassed grimace, I pushed the pedal down and tried again. This time, the engine started. As the pressure built as this woman watched me, I fumbled around with the shifter, trying to find first gear.


    ¡°Did you call the police?¡± I blurted out while fighting his battle with the gearshift.


    ¡°No, the phone is out. Can you please hurry?¡± The woman¡¯s disbelief at my clumsy attempts was obvious.


    Finally, I got the Hudson going and almost immediately; she started yelling and pointing at the turnoff to a private drive. Taking the turn, the vehicle slowed on the grade. The grinding of gears filled the cabin when I downshifted. Following the steepening road, I can make out only faint outlines of vegetation on the hillside from the dim headlights. To make things even more interesting for me, I¡¯m confident that the land fell away sharply on the left side of the road.


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    Great, I get to die without knowing what the hell¡¯s going on!


    Out of the corner of my eye, I see my wet passenger expression, which doubted the wisdom of her getting into the vehicle. I¡¯m sure that her face isn¡¯t that pale normally.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not used to this type of car. Apparently, none of these darn things have automatics inside,¡± I tried to explain. ¡°Hell, I never heard of a Hudson car until today.¡±


    Glancing over, he wasn¡¯t sure she was paying close attention to his rambling as she kept staring ahead.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I didn¡¯t run over you.¡± I¡¯m looking for a response, but she kept biting her lower lip while looking ahead.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure where I am,¡± I continued, since the sound of my voice comforted me more than the pounding rain. ¡°Everything is so weird around here. Damn rain on top of everything else.¡±


    ¡°You look familiar. Are you sure that you¡¯re not from around here?¡±


    Her question surprised me, and I glanced over to see her eyes assessing me. I¡¯m guessing that she¡¯s worried about my poor driving skills. After guiding the car through a curve, I responded.


    ¡°I had the same thought about you. I¡¯m swear that I¡¯ve seen you before.¡± I keep glancing over, but she¡¯s not paying attention. ¡°I can¡¯t get used to the idea that everyone dresses like they¡¯re going to choir practice. It¡¯s crazy.¡±


    There was a weird sense of comfort as I¡¯m trying to explain his day. The car is not making much speed since I can¡¯t see that far ahead in the blinding rain. I¡¯ve got a petrified woman in the car who probably thinks I¡¯m nuts. So, what else can go wrong?


    ¡°Hell¡­I mean, heck,¡± my sheepish smile came back. ¡°Nobody bothers to lock their cars. You know, I walked up to this car and took off with it.¡±


    Realizing my words were giving the wrong implications, I cast a look over. Her expression revealed growing apprehension, and I noticed her tight grip on the doorknob.


    Yeah, she thinks I¡¯m crazy!


    ¡°Listen, lady; I¡¯m not nuts.¡± I hesitated, thinking back to my day.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m not. This day has been like one of those Twilight Zone episodes. You know what I mean? You¡¯d think so too if you found out that you¡¯re stuck in the past. I mean, it just doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    I knew she had no idea what I¡¯m going on about.


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡ªI mean, how many times do you meet Boris Karloff on the street corner? You know it¡¯s nuts, but really, Boris freaking Karloff! I nearly knocked him down this afternoon.¡±


    I felt her eyes on me.


    ¡°And you have no idea what I¡¯m talking about!¡± I sighed.


    ¡°Mister, you¡¯re starting to scare me!¡± His passenger¡¯s pale face agreed with her statement. ¡°You say you¡¯re not from here, then you say you are. Can you just drop me off here?¡±


    The woman appeared ready to jump out of the car and I tried to backtrack.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I know I¡¯m rambling here. I promise that I¡¯ll shut up.¡± He took a deep breath. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to frighten you. I¡ªI guess I made a bad joke. I promise that I¡¯ll shut up and drop you off. I¡¯ll even find a phone somewhere to call the cops so they can help you with your husband.¡±


    She looked at him carefully for a moment while pulling her wet hair out of her face.


    ¡°Just help me with Joe. Those are the porch lights on my house.¡±


    Sure enough, I saw those lights. Embarrassment combined with frustration filled me. A beautiful woman needed my help, and I¡¯m jacking my jaw about all sorts of strange things.


    Still, she should know about Karloff.


    The calendar on the wall told him it was 1940. The woman had to know about the actor. He was famous back then. Then again, I never expected to wander around some damn city I have never seen before, no matter what the year. I¡¯ve got a sweet-looking lady riding in some old car with me in the middle of a typhoon. I¡¯d think it was a movie if I wasn¡¯t in the middle of it.


    The front of a house suddenly appeared, and she ordered him to park in front of the red-tiled single-story bungalow. The woman opened her door before the car stopped. She hesitated, looking over at me.


    ¡°Will you help me with my husband? I need someone else there. He¡¯s not acting like himself.¡±


    I frowned, glancing at the house. Then I shrugged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I can do, but I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she hurried into the rain.


    As he slid out from the seat, I was glad I wore that stupid hat.


    ¡°He¡¯s been drinking.¡± The woman¡¯s warning when we reached the porch made me roll my eyes.


    Of course!


    My initial thoughts about the size of the house were obviously wrong. The steps inside the door led down to a large living room. I saw the massive, hand-hewn oak beams stretching across the ceiling over to the gray and white plaster walls. The stone floor had fur rugs carefully scattered in strategic areas.


    ¡°Cool!¡± I blurted out.


    ¡°This way,¡± she ignored the comment.


    She rushed past a grand white piano near the large front window, and I followed her, only to nearly fall on my face in front of a sofa. The rug spread on the floor under a heavy wood coffee table caught my foot. Luckily, she hurried ahead through the middle of the room. Her high heels tapping out the path. While I¡¯m looking around the place with the wide eyes of a stranger, I also noticed her shapely form in front of me. Yeah, this petite woman in the waterlogged dress made a guy want to follow her.


    Her husband must be stupid to knock himself off, I decided.

 Chapter 5 Cold Rain and Cold Woman

    ¡°Shit, does he have a gun?¡± I¡¯m pretty sure that my voice broke. Even if I found it embarrassing, I never claimed to be a hero.


    The woman didn¡¯t reply, and she was already heading down an iron rail staircase. With growing reluctance, I followed her. At the end of the stairs, she led us to a closed door.


    ¡°Joe, I¡¯m back,¡± she called out. Then the woman knocked on the door gently while testing the locked doorknob.


    ¡°Joe! Come on, open the door.¡±


    There was no answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s Sally. Please let me in!¡±


    They heard movement in the room, but whoever was there did not reply.


    ¡°Kick the door down!¡± She suddenly whispered to me.


    It was a striking look of concern and pleading, which struck me as absurdly beautiful and damn dangerous. Then I looked at the solid wooden door and glanced at the woman dubiously.


    ¡°That¡¯s a stupid idea. He has a gun!¡±


    ¡°Please, every minute counts,¡± she whispered. Her deep blue eyes implored me while I quickly debated inside his head.


    Quit being a hero, just walk away my brain screamed at me. None of the limited options I mulled over kept me from getting my head blown off. Cold from the dripping clothes I¡¯m wearing, I feel a weary urge to walk out of the house. Then I looked at her pleading expression


    Damn, how can women make a guy act like an idiot?


    ¡°Okay! Okay! Let me give it a shot. Just don¡¯t get yourself killed,¡± I finally whispered and moved her away from the door.


    My plan was simple and dumb as hell. I¡¯d run into the door at an angle, so my body¡¯s momentum would slide me out of harm¡¯s way when the door opened. Unlike what you see on the TV shows, the solid wood door I saw wasn¡¯t going to give way like splinters when I ran into it. If her husband shot at the door, I figured he¡¯d be aiming at the center. My bump and fall away plan lessened the likelihood I¡¯d be in the line of fire. But I decided to get the cops involved if the bastard took a shot at the door, whether she liked it or not.


    ¡°Is this what you wanted?¡± I mumbled to the image of Miss Wonderful, which popped into my head as I took two steps back.


    However, when my shoulder landed against the door, I didn¡¯t expect what happened next. The impact broke the flimsy door latch, sending me into the room. Flailing around like a first-time skater, I landed on my belly and slid across the tiled floor. My shoulder felt like a hot poker pushed into it and I started cursing. As I got to my knees, the woman ignored my plight as she entered the room.


    Over against the tiled wall, a tired-looking man crouched in the bathtub with a pump shotgun clutched in his hands. He looked like a hobo with his brown tweed jacket that did not quite fit and a couple of days¡¯ beard growth on his face. The guy also had a severe case of the shakes.


    She¡¯s married to him!


    My first impression of Joe centered on his trembling hands as the gunman slowly rose.


    ¡°Joe, put that down!¡± Sally ordered.


    ¡°Get away from me,¡± the man¡¯s voice sounded as beaten and tired as he looked.


    However, I was more upset that he pointed the gun barrel at me.


    ¡°Both of you leave unless you want my brains all over you.¡±


    The elaborately engraved steel on the shotgun¡¯s receiver glittered under the light from the bathroom¡¯s light. I slowly got to my feet and put my hands up.


    ¡°Joe, you can¡¯t do it,¡± she implored him. ¡°We can work this out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too late. I told you what I was going to do. I meant it.¡± His other hand sought the trigger as the barrel lifted and he pointed it under his chin.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t do it, sweetheart.¡± Sally was crying with her hands held over her mouth.


    While my brain yelled out that I¡¯m an idiot for being in the room, I slowly stepped closer, trying to get the guy to change his mind.


    ¡°Listen, something in your life stinks. I get it. But your wife ran out in the middle of a damn storm looking for help. Give her some credit here. What about what happens to her?¡±


    The words had a slight effect, forcing him to glance at his wife. Then Joe looked down at his quivering hands and then back to the woman. He was smaller than me and rail-thin, but his shaking weapon gave him the floor in that room.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just put that thing down, and we¡¯ll talk about it. Hell, let¡¯s grab a beer as well.¡± I¡¯ll admit I kept glancing back at the door since I didn¡¯t want to see the guy kill himself. I was really reaching for anything at that point.


    Joe licked his lips at the idea, then shook his head.


    ¡°Never!¡± he stated firmly.


    Joe groped for the trigger again. The barrel was nearly too long, and when he moved, his foot slipped on the porcelain tub. Instantly, Joe¡¯s eyes widen at the thought of dying.


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    However, his stumble gave me an opportunity. Jumping forward, I grabbed the gun barrel and Joe¡¯s trigger wrist at the same time. While we fought for control, I accidentally slammed my head into Joe¡¯s forehead. The blow loosened Joe¡¯s grip as I grunted from the pain in my skull. Almost instinctively, I let go of his wrist and came with an uppercut into Joe¡¯s jaw. My punch wasn¡¯t much, but the thin man dropped like a rock, sliding down to the bottom of the bathtub.


    Still hanging on to the shotgun and shaking from adrenalin, I carefully stepped back. The weapon¡¯s barrel struck the chrome curtain rod with a metallic clatter, causing me to flinch. Sally came next to me, giving me an evil eye before she dropped to her knees to help Joe.


    ¡°Now what?¡± My gasps finally got the question out.


    She tenderly touched his face, and her husband¡¯s eyes opened in a daze.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have hit him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you were doing so good on your own,¡± my sarcasm came out with a bit more venom than I wanted. ¡°Damn fool could have killed us.¡±


    She glanced back, and I realized the words hurt her, but I didn¡¯t care. Hell, I¡¯m still shaking and condemning myself for getting involved.


    ¡°Can you help me get him into the bedroom?¡± Her pitiful voice made me look at her.


    With a sigh, I nodded and put the shotgun in the corner. Joe felt like a bag of bones underneath the brown tweed coat as we hauled the semi-conscious man out of the tub. He smelled of sweat and booze, which got worse when I put his arm over my shoulder. Sally guided us out of the bathroom and to an open door down the hall. They laid Joe on top of a golden colored bedspread which covered the narrow twin bed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± the woman said and quickly disappeared.


    Joe slowly came around as I watched him. Sally hurried back into the room with a whiskey bottle in her hand.


    He doesn¡¯t need another drink, I thought.


    Kneeling next to the bed, she uncorked the bottle and poured some into his mouth. The man sputtered, choking on the drink, and his eyes blinked open in panic.


    ¡°My face,¡± the man coughed as he rubbed the bruised place where I struck him. He jiggled his jaw tentatively and seemed surprised to find it unbroken while he stared at me.


    ¡°Say, who is this guy?¡±


    Sally immediately offered another drink while cooing her remorse to him.


    ¡°Oh darling, I¡¯m so sorry. He¡¯s a stranger that helped me. How could you do such a thing? We¡¯ll get through this together, I promise.¡±


    Joe took another drink after taking the bottle from her while his eyes stared into hers. He slowly nodded. Sally leaned over and kissed her husband on the forehead.


    ¡°Get a few drinks in you; that¡¯ll make you feel better. You¡¯re tired and confused,¡± she insisted.


    As I watched the scene, the overwhelming sensation came to me that the couple¡¯s closeness appeared forced in a way. The woman acted more like a disappointed mother.


    While Sally kept insisting that they would make their marriage work, her husband nodded dumbly before taking another swig. He seemed more interested in the drink than in conversing with his wife. Joe held the bottle curled between his arms like he was holding a baby.


    Damn fool! I thought.


    That¡¯s when a violent shiver struck me. I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s the aftereffect of this whole thing, so I retreated into the hallway. I went back to the bathroom to retrieve the shotgun, which I took upstairs to the gun case. After removing the shells from the shotgun, I put it back inside the case. I went around to the front of the fireplace. It was the old-fashioned type that needed wood.


    ¡°That figures,¡± I grumbled while crossing my arms.


    A small stack of wood lay in a bin on the floor, but I decided not to tempt fate. I looked over the paints and d¨¦cor of the room while trying to determine when I should leave.


    I continued to pace around the living room, working to warm myself in the wet clothes. I assessed the d¨¦cor as expensive, but it was something that I knew little about. A massive green sectional sofa covered a sizable area in the middle of the room. In front of the couch sat a maple coffee table on top of a brown pelt rug. Then I spotted a black phone sitting on top of a small table near the front door.


    Yeah, my grandpa had one on the farm.


    Curiosity got the best of me, and I walked over. When I picked up the handset, I heard a dial tone.


    When I placed the handset back in the cradle, Sally came sauntering toward me. I¡¯ll admit that I kept looking her over. Nobody could blame me since her wet dress showed off her assets nicely. Still, that familiar air about her remained in the back of my mind. However, the memory of where I saw her image before remained tucked away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget you for what you¡¯ve done.¡± Sally stepped uncomfortably close to me.


    With most of her makeup washed away, her face held a smattering of freckles. She flipped her wet hair over her shoulders and still exuded a sexy appeal. Her blue eyes held mine for a moment, then I remembered the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious why there¡¯s no ambulance or police? The phone appears to work.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t have the publicity. You know how gossip can start.¡± She patted my chest. ¡°My, you¡¯re as wet as me. Let me get you a towel.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s alright. I should get back,¡± I mumbled. Then I suddenly wondered where I was going to go while I stared at those big blue eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never be able to repay you for the help.¡± A seductive curl came to her lips.


    You keep getting closer and I¡¯ll have a hard time walking without embarrassment.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad things turned out alright,¡± I got out the words while realizing that I was doing a poor job of appearing indifferent. Of course, women never came on strong to me, so I¡¯m worrying about this woman. Yeah, I¡¯m wondering if she¡¯s like Miss Wonderful, who brought me to this damn place? They both act the same way.


    ¡°I guess I should leave, Sally.¡±


    She smiled brightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that you caught my name amid all of this. I know I look just a mess right now. What¡¯s your name, my hero?¡± She smiled seductively, with a bedroom tone in her inflection.


    ¡°I can find some way to reimburse you for your help.¡±


    Seeing her come on to me like that made me all warm and fuzzy, but it also caused me to get a chill along my spine.


    ¡°Your husband might not think that way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± she said with a tremble in her voice. ¡°As you saw, we¡¯re having marital problems, Mr.¡­ Say, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    I suddenly froze, trying to remember the name on the door. When I finally came up with it, I almost smiled in relief.


    ¡°It¡¯s Lane Dagger.¡± My gaze caught sight of a telephone book on the table. ¡°Well, I¡¯m in the phone book, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Her eyes widened.


    ¡°You¡¯re Lane Dagger?¡±


    ¡°I suppose so. Do you know me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re that private dick that they write about in the paper.¡± She backed away like my skin had suddenly turned red and a forked tail popped out of the back of my pants.


    ¡°What a minute, I¡¯m not the guy you think I am.¡± Baffled by her dramatic anxiety about me, I tried to think of something to placate her.


    Then again, nobody asked my name today.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard plenty about you,¡± she scoffed. ¡°People say that you¡¯re involved in every sleazy thing that goes on inside Stull Junction.¡± Her shoulders slumped.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯ll want money to shut this whole affair up. Is that your game?¡±


    ¡°Hey, hold on here,¡± I looked down at my wet clothes, growing angry. ¡°You¡¯re the one that stopped me, remember? I came in because you begged me to¡­¡±


    ¡°Just leave Mr. Dagger.¡± Sally¡¯s face screwed up with frustration. She went to the front door, holding the door handle.


    ¡°Of all the things that could have happened, I had to get a two-bit shyster coming to my house tonight.¡±

 Chapter 6 Coming Home

    After leaving the crazy woman¡¯s house, I ended up at a lonely crossing where the road leaving the foothills met a state highway. Don¡¯t ask me what highway because it wasn¡¯t marked. I guess you didn¡¯t need to know such things back in the day. Anyway, it was dark but at least the rain had stopped. I could read the signs in front of the headlights as I parked on the side of the road. One arrow pointed to Tropico Springs while the other led him to some place called Willoughby. There was no mileage given on either sign. The names sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn¡¯t place them.


    But it didn¡¯t matter since I¡¯ll just be coming back when I hit the city limits!


    The antique cars, the strange places on a map, the old-fashioned clothing were too much. I¡¯m dropped into the middle of an old black and white movie that I usually passed by when surfing the TV channels. I appeared stuck in my great-grandpa¡¯s version of the world while trying to figure out what to do next. The primary question tumbling around my mind was simple.


    What do I do now?


    I dropped my head, then looked up at the moon trying to peak through the cloudy sky. At one point in my life, I knew who I was and what my life was about.


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t run away so that means I need to find another option.¡± I suddenly realized that talking to myself was becoming a habit.


    ¡°Damn it, I can remember everything! Who the fuck wants to be someone else. Fuck this! My name is Sebastian Kennicott. I was born on June 1st, 2000. My mom¡¯s name is Ashley, and Mike is my dad¡¯s name,¡± I screamed at the windshield.


    Memories came flooding back, some good and some not. I had an apartment along with a cat that hated me named Melvin. Samantha was my last steady girl, but she suddenly decided that she¡¯s a pansexual one day and left the apartment. Right now, I miss my smartphone more than I miss Melvin.


    Still, that bitch never took the cat back!


    As I¡¯m recalling the life of Sebastian Kennicott, I desperately want to return to the typical type of life of a middle-class college student.


    But nothing else matters until I solve the question of how to leave.


    That thought started my idea that this city was like a mystery or a puzzle I needed to solve. I remembered Miss Wonderful said that I needed brains to survive.


    ¡°Evidently, my options are to keep trying to leave Stull Junction which appears fruitless. Or I can return to that crazy office and hope that the invisible secretary has a clue for me.¡± I mumbled to myself, then another idea sprung at me.


    Information!


    I don¡¯t know why I didn¡¯t think of it sooner. My ambition in college gave me a potential method to get me better options. Right now, I¡¯m flying blind, but I can change that.


    Just before that bitch kidnapped me into this place, I was hanging out in the bar with some friends. It¡¯s typical guy shit to kill time and brag about stuff you don¡¯t have a clue about while drinking beer and eyeing the hot babes in the place. You know what I mean.


    That night I bragged to the others about a story that I¡¯m working on for the college news channel about conflicts of interest within the administration. Sure, it¡¯s nothing major in a vast sea of news, but I spent a lot of time doing interviews and gathering information about the administrators and their activities. That¡¯s right, my dreams comprised becoming a talking head broadcaster and making a couple of million a year.


    One of the first things I learned in tracking down leads and meeting with various people is that information is the lifeblood. As I sat in that car, I remembered pilots shot down over enemy territory required information to stay alive inside hostile territory. If you don¡¯t believe me, just ask any gamer who¡¯s going through hell mode in a video game designed by sadists. Those thoughts led me to a little black book that I nearly forgot about inside my coat pocket.


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    I didn¡¯t pay much attention to it before. My quick scan of the pages revealed names, dates and numbers which didn¡¯t mean much. Parts of the book also read something of a diary which I wasn¡¯t really interested in.


    However, I remembered how Sally condemned me as a two-bit shyster. Now, I¡¯m not familiar with a lot of slang but I¡¯m pretty sure that she meant was that Lane Dagger is a con man. And I know that a con artist needs information to pull off their scams. When I started looking closer at the black book, a tired smile gradually filled my face.


    There are names and numbers alright, along with more notes about people as I flip through the pages. As I read the scribbled writing, it occurred to me that Lane Dagger is more than an asshole. No, he is a devious and meticulous asshole.


    One of the first names in the book revealed tidbits about Adele Williams. I shook my head at the information that I found, then I put the book back in my pocket. A quick U-turn put me back on the road back to Stull Junction while my stomach really complained about no food for the day.


    As I drove along, a weariness filled my body. Being on edge all day took its toll on me and now the effects were catching up. I yawned and rolled down the window to let the breeze help keep me awake. At the same time, my belly rumbled for food.


    Maybe when morning came, everything would be back to my life as Sebastian in my world. However, I didn¡¯t believe that anymore. In my mind, I segmented off my past with this guy named Lane since it made things easier to think in a way.


    I¡¯m sure this came from my time playing characters in video games. Whether, I went up or down, right or left, or killed an NPC in order to solve the puzzles to open the next door. It finally occurred to me that I can use the same method to make my future under the character of Lane Dagger. Hell, I¡¯m in this damn place, sometimes you have to roll with the punches.


    After a lot of unfamiliar turns and streets, eventually, I got the car back to the main square. Nothing along the way looked like a drive through for food which didn¡¯t surprise me. I drove by the building that held my office along with my invisible secretary. However, I didn¡¯t stop. Instead, I found the address of 15 Maiden Lane. While I didn¡¯t have a map, I recalled seeing that street name near the corner where I found the Hudson car.


    The reason for this direction came from a shocking item along with the other information that I found inside the little black book. A hydrogen bomb equivalent when compared to the other shocks I dealt with so far.


    Shit, I¡¯m married!


    Well, technically Lane Dagger is married, and Lane left me plenty of details about his wife. The only reason I noticed this came from Adele Williams¡¯ third name in parentheses. That¡¯s right, it was Dagger and I¡¯m willing to bet it¡¯s not my sister.


    Now, I consider myself too young for such a thing. I certainly wasn¡¯t looking for a wife. However, this day of hell turned me into one pissed off individual. I damn well wasn¡¯t letting marriage get in my way.


    As my tired mind went through the day¡¯s events, I finally decided to look into the situation. The more I learned more about the life this Lane character has, the better for me to figure out how to escape. The more information, the better to get back at Miss Wonderful. An additional incentive came from the fact that I didn¡¯t fancy sleeping on the couch in my weird office.


    A few blocks later, I found Maiden Lane. Following the road until it stopped in front of a four-story building with a circular drive. A large number 15 placed above the glass atrium showed me I reached the correct place. Parking in the first stall that I found, I plodded to the entrance. Scanning the area, I kept wondering how I would find my place since the building held a fair number of apartments. To my surprise, a man in a green uniform ran to the door and opened it as I approached.


    Things were different in the past!


    ¡°Good evening, Mr. Dagger!¡± The man smiled automatically as I gave him an uncomfortable nod.


    Pretty upscale, I decided, while noticing the smell of whiskey on the man as I passed by. Covertly looking for a place to find my apartment number, I spotted a small cluster of mailboxes behind a lobby desk. Walking over to the counter with marble trim, I noticed a tired-looking young man in an identical green uniform rise from his chair. Unfortunately, the boxes I looked over did not show any names, only the numbers in three rows for each story of the building. Obviously, I had no intention of knocking at every apartment.


    ¡°Can I help you? I believe someone has already retrieved your mail.¡± The thin-lipped man glanced back at the wall.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I glanced at him with a frown. ¡°I¡¯m expecting an important letter.¡± I leaned over the counter, appearing highly interested in a box.


    The man pulled out a key with a barely concealed sigh and went over to box number 13. He held it open for me to see it was empty.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, nothing there.¡±


    My smile was probably more of a sneer since I was tired. I walked to the stairs. As I turned the corner to the second flight of steps, I wanted to pat himself on the back for my ingenuity. Then, I heard an echoed whisper from the man at the counter to the doorman.


    ¡°Looks like he¡¯s still pretty sauced again.¡±


    Evidently Lane is a drunkard as well, I thought.

 Chapter 7 Finding a Wife and Her Lover

    Reaching the third floor, I went across the hall and pulled out my keys. After a close inspection, I found the correct key and entered the apartment.


    To my surprise, I found a woman and man on the couch just a couple of paces away. The woman wore a kimono dressing gown that exposed some skin from being partially unbuttoned. She stumbled to her feet as the man let his hands drop from her waist. I noticed his eyes bulged and fear filled his face.


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    ¡°Dagger? You can¡¯t...¡±


    The pregnant pause among us made me sneer as I looked them over.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt the party. I wasn¡¯t expecting a whore to be living here.¡±


    Their venomous glares erupted at my comment.


    ¡°How dare... What the hell are you doing here?¡± The woman¡¯s face turned red with embarrassed rage.


    Obviously, Lane¡¯s black book didn¡¯t explain the marriage problems to this degree. As I stand there, I¡¯m trying to figure out a witty reply.


    ¡°Ah... I¡¯m hungry? Oh, and tired.¡±


    It was the best that I came up with.


    ¡°Get out now! You¡¯re not welcome here. You have the divorce papers, you bastard.¡±


    That was news to me. Maybe I should have opened that letter from the lawyer, but I had other problems going on.


    She¡¯s pretty as hell!


    My first impression of Adele kept me staring at her while her boyfriend rose from the couch. To me, the guy standing near the couch came off like a weasel. You know the type with the effeminate face and sandy hair. On top of that, his beady eyes and handlebar mustache instantly make a guy dislike him. I noticed his jacket was lying on the back of the couch with his tie while his partially unbuttoned shirt showed me the evening¡¯s progress. I guess I should thank the gods for not arriving a few minutes later. I¡¯m not into watching that much.


    Apparently, the man finally recovered from the initial shock, and he steps toward me. I¡¯m not a big guy, but this thin bastard who has to look up at me will not intimidate me.


    ¡°You heard the lady. You¡¯re not welcome here!¡±


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    The man stopped in disbelief as his face screwed up in anger.


    ¡°Lloyd Childress, you stupid bastard. Listen, Adele asked you to leave. Now I¡¯m telling you the same thing. The police don¡¯t take kindly to trespassing.¡±


    His name is in the black book, but I¡¯m pissed off. So, I didn¡¯t care to remember. Plus, something else bothered me for no apparent reason. Seeing this asshole trying to act like he¡¯s the big man in front of the pretty woman who¡¯s supposed to be my wife made me livid.


    ¡°Looking at you, I¡¯m guessing that your mother fucked the first thing that jumped over the fence,¡± I smirked.


    Lloyd¡¯s expression changed at least three times over the half a second he came at me as I secretly hoped. I punched him with a quick hit to his nose, just like dad taught me. The impact hurt my fist, but the damage to Lloyd¡¯s nose made it quite satisfying. He immediately fell to the floor with his hands covering his face. Blood streamed between his fingers as he cried out in pain.


    ¡°Damn, that felt good,¡± I stated with a vicious smile.


    Guilty pleasure shot through me as my brain suddenly encouraged me to give the bastard on the floor a few more punches. The thought warmed me, but I paused after I glanced over at Adele. She had her hand covering her mouth in shock and her blue eyes stared at me. Again, I had the strange thought that she looked familiar.


    ¡°You bastard! You hit him. I¡¯m calling the police,¡± she finally blurted out.


    Of course, I¡¯ve already considered the possibility that I was heading to jail. Still, it felt good when I looked down at Lloyd, who¡¯s just moaning now while holding his face. Then I suddenly grinned, not really noticing the woman hadn¡¯t moved. Her white bra remained exposed, and I realized a weak spot for them.


    ¡°Feel free to call them. But you won¡¯t like what happens when they arrive.¡± I stepped toward her, and she took a half-step back.


    Her pretty eyes widened. I thought how damn good looking she looked, frightened and vulnerable. Sure, you might consider me a creep for thinking that way, but I told you I was pretty fed up by this point in the night. Still, I kept going, desperately agreeing with the urge to see her reactions while I came up with a story.


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    ¡°You see, my story is that I found the bastard raping you. Hell, you¡¯re half-undressed.¡± Of course, I exaggerated a lot while making up the story. But her quick adjustments concerning her open dressing gown made a sneer come across my face.


    ¡°Now, who are the cops going to believe? Your dear husband who is inside his apartment,¡± I lifted my hands in dramatic fashion before I pointed to the man. ¡°Or will they believe that piece of shit rolling around on the floor? Either way, nobody is leaving the police station until it¡¯s morning.¡±


    My uncharacteristic performance while thinking on my feet, along with a demonic grin, must have unnerved her. Her expression reveals that she¡¯s suddenly unsure of what to do next. I shrugged, deciding on a path for her. I glanced down at Lloyd as I stepped past her.


    ¡°Just get that son of a bitch out of here before I use him as my punching bag. I¡¯m hungry and still pissed off. He¡¯s not fucking you tonight.¡±


    Going into the dining room, my focus centered on a door which I expected to lead into the kitchen. My hunch was correct as I pushed the swinging door open to see a green and white checkerboard linoleum floor, along with white enamel counters and shelves in the next room.


    I glanced back to see my sweet wife helping her lover to his feet as he¡¯s holding a white handkerchief over his nose. Curious about why she didn¡¯t run to her boyfriend after I punched him, I watched her. I also wanted to know if someone went to the telephone. I stood there while they talked for a moment. I didn¡¯t hear much but Lloyd kept glancing at me with a suitable fright in his eyes. Pretty soon, the rodent scurried out the front door after my wife handed him his coat and tie.


    As she closed the door, I entered the kitchen. The fridge was a small thing with something that looked like a metal chief¡¯s hat sitting on top. I heard the whirring noise and decided that¡¯s where they put the electric motor back in the day. While rummaging through the refrigerator, I came upon pieces of fried chicken, which I pulled out, along with a glass bottle of milk.


    Glass bottles, wow!


    I heard milkmen used to come to the door and drop off milk in a bottle. For some reason, I thought this glass container was pretty cool with a paper wrapper on top. As I¡¯m filling my mouth, my wife steps into the kitchen.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you made yourself at home,¡± she tells me with sarcasm coming out like poison. ¡°You¡¯ll be lucky if he doesn¡¯t sue you.¡±


    ¡°Mmm... I figured you¡¯d follow him, mmm... since I don¡¯t seem to be on your good side.¡± I got the words out between bites.


    ¡°I live here,¡± she retorted quickly.


    ¡°Tell me something. Are we divorced or not?¡±


    Her expression darkened.


    ¡°You know it¡¯s not official until you sign the letter that was delivered to your office.¡±


    ¡°Humm, I noticed a letter from a lawyer, but I didn¡¯t bother to open it,¡± I admitted without guilt. Of course, I didn¡¯t explain the real reason.


    I guess we¡¯re not officially divorced yet! That¡¯s good.


    But I still had the problem of Lloyd in front of me. Now, according to my little black book, Lane married Adele for her money. Aside from her beauty, the guy didn¡¯t care for her; she was a target for him. He dismissed the woman as too needy and dependent on him while she acted like a stuck-up snob.


    Unfortunately for her, Lane did a good job of worming his way into control of Adele¡¯s fortune. Reading through the book, it I learned this guy Lane Dagger had a reputation because he acted as a true asshole. She certainly had a reason to dislike him and get a lover.


    But desperate times call for desperate measures. I need to survive and make this world turn the way I wanted. That¡¯s why I planned to play some of Lane¡¯s trump cards to keep our marriage together, at least long enough to get away from this place. My plan required Adele. I¡¯m young, but not that dumb. Any place with humans requires money for influence and power. Adele carried that in spades, according to my book. At the end of the day, I guess that I¡¯m just as much of an asshole as the guy I¡¯m playing.


    ¡°Adele, did your lawyer explain what happens if I sign those papers?¡±


    Her expression replied with a sneer, but she refused to answer.


    After finishing the second chicken leg, I looked over.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he told you I¡¯m taking half of everything you have. It wasn¡¯t my fault that he¡¯s a terrible lawyer who made side deals against your interests. Now, do you really want that? Because I¡¯m willing to give you a better deal.¡±


    The woman¡¯s face went pale at the news. I had no intention of telling her that Lane Dagger did a side deal with Lloyd Childress to split the money. The black book told me that Lloyd intended to become Adele¡¯s next husband and Lane helped him.


    Did I mention that Lane is a complete douchebag?


    ¡°You need to leave my apartment!¡± Adele stammered out. It was clear she didn¡¯t know what to believe now, but she tried to take charge.


    ¡°I told you that you can sleep in your office from now on. Go there and sign the papers so I don¡¯t have to see you again.¡±


    I gulped down my milk directly from the bottle. Sure, Lane Dagger deserved her spite, which included me, I guess. But my brain felt ready to split open. On top of that, her damn attitude really pissed me off.


    So, what if you didn¡¯t get laid tonight?


    ¡°You know what? Considering that my whole shitty day has been like this, I don¡¯t give a damn what you tell me. You¡¯re the one acting like a bitch in heat. So, I don¡¯t really give a shit about how embarrassed you are right now.¡±


    I turned to her, holding the milk jar in my hand.


    ¡°You pissed off the wrong guy. That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to let you have it with both barrels. I caught my wife screwing a guy before we completed the divorce. Seriously, I don¡¯t give a shit about your morals, but it means more money to me if I get a lawyer on my side involved.¡±


    Of course, I couldn¡¯t know the truth behind any of the shit spewing out of my mouth in frustration. It just felt good to watch her reaction, so I kept pushing it.


    ¡°Hell, I¡¯m thinking about putting the news of what I saw in front of everyone in this shitty town. Your lawyer told you to keep this nice and quiet. Do you want Stull Junction to know the dirty little secrets inside my wife¡¯s dark heart? I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll enjoy the whispered talk with your social meetings at the country club.¡±


    I placed the bottle down on the counter while keeping my stare on her. Yes, I¡¯m trying hard to make the best impression of a demon. But there was a reason. It could only work because one of the trump cards I learned from the book.


    Adele cared, I mean she really cared, about her reputation. People with money typically act that way, I guess. Lane Dagger¡¯s poor reputation in public became too much for her and was a reason she wanted out of the marriage. I also surmised that she didn¡¯t want the other respectable men to hear about a messy divorce getting in the papers. Somewhere I read that cheating brought more shame to people back in the good old days. The drastic change in her expression confirmed my belief.


    I¡¯m glad I hit her with that.

 Chapter 8 Rants and Thoughts from a Hurt Wife

    <div>


    I wiped my hands using a white towel hanging down from the drawer handle by the sink. As I stepped toward Adele, my frustration continued to spill out.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to listen to me tonight. I¡¯m exhausted. Yeah, tired beyond belief and this whole damn world can blow up for all I care. So, for the rest of the night, you¡¯re going to shut your fucking mouth!¡±


    From her shocked expression after my rant, I¡¯m confident that Lane Dagger never spoke to her that way before. Her mouth remained partially open as she was about to say something, but she stopped herself. Her pretty eyes turned dark and narrowed from the verbal attack. As I stepped past her, she backed away. I entered the narrow hallway, then glanced back.


    ¡°Point me toward a bed.¡±


    She nodded to my right.


    ¡°You know where the spare bedroom is,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Lady, get this through your brain tonight. The Lane Dagger that you know was a son of a bitch. That means I¡¯m truly sorry for what¡¯s happened to you. You have every reason to hate him. It¡¯s damn clear that he¡¯s hurt you. Probably so many times that you despise looking at him. Only a full fledge shithead won¡¯t keep a beautiful woman like you happy. I know you won¡¯t believe me, but I¡¯m trying to fix the problem.¡±


    I refused to look at her because the day had worn me out and I wanted to keep from exploding again.


    ¡°Tomorrow morning, you and I will talk about the future. That¡¯s just you and me talking. No lawyer or other folks looking in at us. It¡¯s my responsibility...no, that¡¯s not right.¡± I shook my head as my mind wanted to shut down.


    ¡°It¡¯s my requirement is to fix things. Now, I can¡¯t think anymore, so I¡¯m going to sleep before I fall on my face.¡±


    Walking away, I finally felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. The strange feeling came because I told myself that I was past caring about anything that others did inside this crazy world. While I¡¯d be a lying hypocrite if I shouldn¡¯t consider the impact that Lane had on others. I still needed to survive.


    ¡°Starting tonight, my future is what I make of it,¡± I stated to myself as I walked away.


    My vow came out in that moment of exhausted frustration. But I meant it. Even if I must do some dirty things, I¡¯ll live and figure out how to get out of this fucked up place. After all, I still owed a certain bitch and her thugs a punch in the face. Certain of my goal, I decided that morals and values be damned. As far as I¡¯m concerned, this place is hell and I¡¯m going to be the devil.


    From the hallway, I saw the open door to the master bedroom and paused for a moment. There were two beds in the room, which left me puzzled.


    Husbands and wives don¡¯t sleep together?


    Shaking my head, I found the other bedroom and went inside. I pushed the door closed with my back and felt the weariness wash over me.


    I wonder if I¡¯ll wake up in the morning. Or maybe they¡¯ll find my body with a knife through the heart.


    In the kitchen, Adele felt tears fall from her cheeks when she heard Lane close the door to the spare bedroom. The heated silence he left suddenly weighed on her like an anvil while she fought to control her emotions.


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    Since Lane unexpectedly arrived, his unbelievable actions shocked her to the core. Adele truly believed that her husband was happy to be rid of her. Lloyd told her that Lane wanted the divorce to happen as soon as possible. That¡¯s why Lane didn¡¯t bother to bring his own lawyer. As long as he got half, he was happy to walk away from her. Lloyd kept assuring her that the divorce would be fast and quiet.


    Why didn¡¯t he sign the papers?


    She concluded long ago that her husband married her for her money. Lane¡¯s actions until a few minutes ago showed her the accuracy of her belief. But his furious reaction at finding Lloyd and her on the couch shocked the woman to the core. It also sent other pent-up emotions swimming through her.


    Lane Dagger suddenly showed jealousy!


    The thought that a cold and calculating person might suddenly throw caution to the wind baffled her. Lloyd might do something in response to the attack, but that didn¡¯t concern her for the moment. Instead, she grappled with Lane¡¯s emotional outburst and cursing. Proper and always contrived, her husband acted like a mechanical device more than a person. He even made love to her that way, but sex stopped not long after their marriage started. A frustration that tore into her as well.


    Why can¡¯t I find happiness?


    Despite her initial concerns about his personality after they met, Adele believed all the lies that he told her. The woman fell hard for him, willing to overlook his coldness. During their whirlwind courtship and their first few months of marriage, Lane treated her like royalty and gained her fullest love and devotion. Adele told herself that she could mold him into the type of man she wanted.


    Then he took control of her money. Soon after that occurred, her husband practically abandoned her. She sat home alone for countless hours, seeing Lane only when he came to the apartment after his day at his office or spending time with the elites in Stull Junction. After the honeymoon, her husband quickly changed his whole manner into a distant roommate. He isolated her and abandoned her without a second thought. It took several months before Adele realized that Lane Dagger could never become the hot-blooded and passionate lover she wished for.


    Yet, for a moment, she recognized a savage delight in his eyes when he punched Lloyd. Even more, she thought about her husband fighting to keep her. At least that hope came to her as Adele saw him struggle to control his anger after his glance at her. It was the first time she experienced such hostility coming from Lane. The idea that he was jealous and could not stand her being with another man gave her a fleeting hope. Distant and misplaced as it might be, it was a feeling which kept creeping back into her thoughts.


    Adele stood there, rerunning the events when Lane entered the apartment. While she recognized her husband immediately, something about his face bothered her. Her recollections of his handsome appearance seemed too vague, almost like trying to recall the appearance of a distant relative you see occasionally. It made no sense since she saw Lane in Lloyd¡¯s office two weeks ago.


    However, Adele immediately recognized that his attitude, manner of speech and even his expressions appeared different. Even talking about himself in the third person made her stop to consider his actions. Everything was too strange for her to understand, which left her with one thought. He¡¯s planning something. Adele heard him saying that his future was what he made of it.


    Nothing about us!


    Sniffling, Adele wiped her tears and cleaned the kitchen counter of the leftovers that Lane left. After putting away the milk bottle, the woman quietly walked into the narrow hall, pausing by the door of the spare bedroom. Too many terrible memories of him outweighed the good times in her mind. Isolation and degradation in his words hurt over the years.


    At times, Adele wanted Lane to lash out at her. At least he¡¯d be human and show emotion about his wife. The vicious punch that she saw Lane inflect on Lloyd came back to her. For a moment, her husband appeared happy to fight. It was another uncharacteristic thing about him.


    Adele believed the only reason that Lane became a private detective is it allowed him to spy on people. Early in the marriage, she read through his black book one time. The highly personal and damaging information he got about many people in the city bothered her. She begged him to find another path to keep him occupied, but he dismissed her pleas.


    What did he mean by fixing things?


    She wrapped her arms together, debating for a moment, then Adele Dagger walked into the master bedroom and closed the door.


    <div>

 Chapter 9 A New Day

    The beam of morning light peeked through the shades, hitting my closed eyes and making me turn my head. I heard steps outside the door of the room as I remained in the half-awake and half-asleep never-never land. I knew it was morning, but I hated the thought of getting up.


    I¡¯m so tired!


    Deciding to let my mind wander, I hoped I was back at my college campus.


    No, the bed is too soft; I thought.


    That led me to the next steps I needed to take in a place under a unique identity. Letting out a sigh, I hoped I was as smart as I believed. The bright sunlight struck my closed eyelids again and brought me out of my thoughts. But I kept my eyes closed for a reason.


    What weirdness was waiting for me now?


    Steeling myself, I finally accepted the inevitable.


    ¡°Yep, I¡¯m still in Weirdsville,¡± I mumbled as I looked around the room.


    I¡¯m in the same twin bed in the bedroom. I still don¡¯t have any status windows or inventory items showing up in my head as I look around the room. Not that I expected it, but you never know what shit I¡¯m going to run into. Looking over, I noticed a mirrored clock showed me the time was nearly eight.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I groused.


    I still held the slight hope that I would be back in my apartment near the college before I opened my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself before proceeding with my plans for this new world. However, the footsteps coming from outside the bedroom door led me to guess who stood there.


    ¡°Come on in, Adele.¡± I called out just as a soft knock occurred.


    The door opened while I sat up.


    Standing in the doorway was Adele in a white summer dress. I might have dropped my jaw for a moment because she seriously looked so sexy and cut that my mind started churning again about her familiar face. I know I¡¯ve seen her before. The woman¡¯s blue eyes assessed me as she stood there.


    ¡°You should have taken your clothes off before going to sleep,¡± she stated.


    I looked down at my wrinkled clothes, then gave her an embarrassed grin.


    ¡°Yeah, you can see that it was the end of a tough day and a pretty crappy night as well.¡±


    She frowned at the comment.


    ¡°Are you planning on staying long?¡±


    Standing up, I stepped toward her. This time, she held her ground.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m going to fix things, don¡¯t you remember what I told you?¡±


    What the hell do I know about repairing a marriage?


    It doesn¡¯t matter. I must become a loving husband quickly. It was the only plan available to me, so I had to make it work. I hoped that her feelings for Lane remained strong enough to turn her back into a supporter. Adele was the one person who cared about Lane Dagger. Nothing written in that damn notebook showed me any other people who were friends.


    I needed her for a host of reasons, mainly because of her money and probably her contacts in the city. Yeah, I¡¯m acting like another copy of Lane, but I consoled myself with the fact that I don¡¯t plan on using her fortune except to get out of the place. Hell, she can drive me to the airport and that¡¯s alight.


    Do they have airlines flying here? I wondered briefly when I remembered it¡¯s 1940.


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    To my mind, everyone I met so far, Adele included, is really nothing more than an NPC. Sure, they might bleed from a punch and yell about feelings, but so do the characters in games. It was that rationalization I decided upon as I fell asleep. This hell I¡¯m living in, I plan on treating it like a game. Every action I take will come from my needs and wants with the goal of escaping. The problem was that I knew I needed a lot of luck since I¡¯m hardly the loveable type. The first option was to bring Adele into my circle. It had to be done.


    As we looked at each other in the awkward pause, I noticed Adele¡¯s oval face carried a hint of freckles underneath her makeup. But it was Adele¡¯s blue eyes that held me. They showed vulnerability, along with doubt, while trying to understand the change she held in her husband. Fortunately, those eyes weren''t angry and I planned to use that internal conflict I saw to my advantage.


    Yeah, I¡¯m an asshole, I guess.


    ¡°What does that even mean coming from you?¡±


    Her skeptical tone made me give her a devious grin. Reaching out, I seized her in my arms and pulled her close. It surprised me she stood only a couple of inches shorter than me.


    ¡°It¡¯s easier to explain with actions,¡± I said to the rigid woman in my arms.


    Adele tried to push me away, but I continued to hold her tight against my chest. Her half-hearted struggle ceased after a moment. She kept her head down, refusing to look at me after she realized I wasn¡¯t letting go of my advantage. Her auburn hair tickled my nose, and I enjoyed the fresh smell from her shampoo.


    ¡°We start with the basics, my dear, to fix the underlying problems,¡± I told her.


    ¡°Holding me won¡¯t do it,¡± she complained, still refusing to look at me. ¡°It¡¯s too late for your cheesy ways.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± I agreed. ¡°You carry a lot of scars from Lane. We need to take one step at a time. You need much more in your life beyond apologies.¡±


    After I sighed, I continued to murmur to her.


    ¡°I suppose you sit at home all day only to be ignored when Lane walks into the apartment. You find your husband to be cold and uncaring. Your husband is a bastard digging for gold and using you as his bank account. Does that summary spell out what¡¯s led us to this point?¡±


    Of course, my words came from my review of the little black book. The bastard who married Adele for her money purposely removed himself from her life after he got the control that he wanted. Adele carried the fatal tendency to believe in the best about people, even when they didn¡¯t deserve it. It made her a pushover to Lane¡¯s designs.


    Yeah, I¡¯m cynical about people because I¡¯ve seen so many crappy people even at my age.


    ¡°Why are you talking that way? You¡¯re the one who¡¯s at fault,¡± Adele kept her arms at her side.


    I remained surprised that she didn¡¯t kill Lane or get her lover to do it. Then I thought of Lloyd¡¯s reaction last night. He appeared shocked at seeing me. No, the better way to describe his reaction was disbelief that I was there. The look made me decide I would follow up with that son of a bitch soon enough.


    ¡°Yes, of course. I know it¡¯s appeared that way for far too long,¡± I said. ¡°But we¡¯re starting again here starting this morning. I can apologize forever, but I must prove that I care. I need to let you remember the man you married. Plus, I need your help to become a better man. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Sure, I¡¯m being as selfish as hell by twisting her good nature. But I looked at it this way. Lane Dagger treated Adele like crap to be free of a wife and receive half of her fortune. But I¡¯m not Lane Dagger. That means I¡¯ll do it my way. So, fuck whoever put me here acting like this jerk. I¡¯m going to do the exact opposite.


    I¡¯m keeping her so she can help me.


    ¡°You know that it¡¯s too late for that,¡± she insisted. ¡°Now, are you going to let me go?¡± she asked, trying to regain control of the situation.


    Unfortunately for her, I had another trump card I planned on using. I lifted her head to face me.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not letting you go. Hear me loud and clear, babe. I decided that you and I will stay together. Now I¡¯m going to prove it every day. It''s our resuscitation. I need you, and I was too damn dumb to realize it.¡±


    She shook her head, but I suddenly pressed my lips to hers. Her eyes widened at the unexpected action. As I kissed her lips and sucked on them, she remained passive, which I partially expected. However, I continued. While my few girlfriends in the past might disagree, I have confidence in my kissing ability. My lips continued savoring the taste and sensation of her soft and fragrant lips.


    Adele turned her head to refuse. However, I pulled her tight with one arm and grabbed the back of her head with the other hand. Slowly, I started kissing her passionately again. This time, her hands came to my chest and weakly pushed at me. She still wanted to be with Lane but the pain of his actions remained in her heart. I pulled back from my kiss and grinned at her.


    ¡°Babe, I can do this all day long. I meant every word when I said that you¡¯re mine. That means I¡¯m yours as well. Unless you plan on throwing me away, get used to the idea that we¡¯re sticking together.¡±


    Noticing her complicated expression, I brought my lips back to hers. This time, my tongue snaked its way in to find hers. Her hands dropped, and she slowly put her arms around me. Even as I focused my attention on lips and tongue, I felt her distrust. Still, she didn¡¯t push away any longer. I recognized the opportunity and I¡¯m going for it.


    Lane is a fucking idiot, I thought.

 Chapter 10 You’ve Hurt Me Too Many Times

    I have a beautiful woman in my arms, and her bastard husband wanted to force her away. Maybe I¡¯m not that skilled at pleasing women, but this damn world I stepped into required that I learn things quickly. No matter how long it took, I still planned on breaking that wall of distrust and separation between me and Adele. In a way, I¡¯m kind of stubborn. I never did like people telling me what I can and can¡¯t do.


    <div>


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    <div>


    As I kissed and caressed her gently for a while longer, I broke the kiss so she could breathe. As I was definitely breathing heavily, I noticed Adele¡¯s face, ears, and neck held more color. She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. I knew she was seeking a reason to stay in my arms. Her husband changed so suddenly, and she couldn¡¯t trust me.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t expect me to do this,¡± I reflected on her thoughts. She acted like I was reading her mind, and she looked down.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this,¡± she whispered. ¡°I¡¯m not falling for the same lines as before. You¡¯ve hurt me too many times.¡±


    ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not the same guy for a lot of reasons,¡± I explained, then my thoughts went back to her boyfriend.


    Crap, I¡¯m not too late, am I?


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re in love with that jackass I saw last night,¡± my voice came out in a growl. ¡°A beautiful woman like you can certainly do better than that wimp.¡±


    Her frozen glare came back, and she again tried to push away. I held on tight.


    ¡°All you got to do is tell me you love that piece of shit. Come clean and tell me. Is that something that¡¯s going to please you? Will getting rid of me truly make you happy with him?¡± Surprised that my voice got loud, I hesitated.


    Inside, I found myself quite calm since I wanted the truth from her. But a thought came to me. Was the little black book wrong? Maybe I should let her ride off into the sunset. Hell, I¡¯ll still have money afterward.


    Then, I¡¯m just following this setup. No fucking way am I doing that!


    ¡°Tell me the truth, Adele. Do you really want that crappy guy or not? Is it your goal in life to be like Jenny?¡±


    I used her friend¡¯s name because the black book told me that Jenny kept introducing Adele to other men. Her best friend reminded me of a slut who enjoyed dictating the lives of others. Lane Dagger despised Jenny, and it showed in his writing. My guess was they were too much alike. Still, the notes showed me that Adele apparently understood that Jenny¡¯s relationships were far too shallow and momentary for her. According to the black book, Adele fell for Lane because he treated her like royalty and acted like his partner in life. Even if untrue from Lane¡¯s perspective, Adele fell for him, hook, line and sinker.


    Tears welled in Adele¡¯s eyes, and I suddenly thought my tight hold on her body was causing the pain. However, she collapsed into my chest as her anguish spilled out in her sobs.


    I admit I had plenty of second thoughts at this point. Harming someone is not something I enjoy. Besides, I was hurting a woman I only met a few hours before. Yeah, an NPC in my mind, but the flesh and blood woman in my arms felt too real to disregard. Just as I loosened my hold, she mumbled a whisper that I almost didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Lane, I¡¯m so tired of being alone,¡± she confessed through sobs. ¡°I don¡¯t want someone who doesn¡¯t give a damn about me.¡±


    Adele lifted her head to look at me. Her mascara covered tears running down her face.


    ¡°I tried so hard to make you love me again, even though I never understood why you quit. But now I know you can¡¯t change,¡± she wept. ¡°That¡¯s why you can¡¯t fix this.¡±


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    For some reason, it hurt me to breathe when I saw her tormented confession. Seriously, who can handle a distraught woman in their arms?


    Then I realized why I was upset. That bastard went after someone who couldn¡¯t directly fight back. Lane emotionally broke her because he knew he could do it. It was like I understood Lane even without reading his notebook. Even now, Adele didn¡¯t punch me or slap me like I half-expected. Her soft personality would not allow it. Instead, Adele¡¯s sensitive nature meant that even though she carried a powerful memory of her negative experiences, she believed there was something good in the other person.


    It was one thing I remembered from my psych class about such a personality. It¡¯s hard for them to let go of their relationships, even if it¡¯s toxic. A person like that wants to believe in their lover¡¯s good side so desperately that they¡¯ll suffer for it. Remembering this item, I redoubled my efforts to turn this around. I still had a chance to make lemonade out of the lemons this place handed me.


    ¡°Like hell, I can¡¯t fix this!¡± I gripped her tight.


    Even if I wasn¡¯t the cause, gazing at such heartfelt pain made me draw her back into my arms. Feeling those warm tears on my shoulder as she continued to cry made me reconsider trying to get her on my side. We stood together for a while. The warmth we shared made us strangely comfortable. I heard Adele sniffle as she turned to place her head on my chest.


    ¡°I need a tissue,¡± she mumbled.


    I remembered there was a handkerchief that I found earlier in my suit pocket. I reached down and gave it to her. As Adele dabbed at her nose as I put my arms around her waist. I noticed she didn¡¯t try to stop me.


    ¡°Listen, all the words I say, you¡¯ll be suspicious about. You have every right to feel that way,¡± I said. ¡°I have no shame in telling you I need you. Yeah, I¡¯m an idiot who just figured it out late, but I can guarantee you that things are going to be different. It¡¯s a promise that I must keep. Please, no more of this bullshit that it¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound like yourself.¡± Her bloodshot eyes wavered. ¡°The person I married never apologized like this.¡±


    I kissed her delicately on the lips, suddenly hoping that my morning breath didn¡¯t offend her.


    ¡°Adele, there¡¯s no doubt I¡¯ve changed. I can make that in the form of a guarantee.¡±


    That¡¯s a no shit statement!


    I took her left hand and lifted it for us both to look at.


    ¡°You still wear this wedding ring even after all this trouble. I know all I¡¯m saying can¡¯t fix everything at this point. However, I want you to remember some of the good things we did as well, so I can prove I¡¯ve changed for the better.¡±


    I kissed her hand.


    ¡°Nothing is impossible if we work together. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been a stupid fool. Believe it or not, people can change.¡±


    That¡¯s for damn sure, so I¡¯m begging you to believe me!


    Adele put her head back on my chest and the tears continued, but she kept her hand clutched with mine. I kissed her head while continuing to hold her tight, and she wrapped her right arm around me. Slowly, the sobs stopped.


    ¡°Can you tell me what I did to make you want to leave me?¡± I heard the pain in the words as she took on the guilt for Lane Dagger and it pissed me off. However, I remained still, letting my anger calm while trying to come up with an acceptable answer for her. I tried a version of the truth with a story that came back to me.


    ¡°Do you remember that story about King Midas?¡±


    She nodded amid her sniffles.


    ¡°I think that the guy you married finally found out the same lesson.¡± I combined the Greek myth with what I figured out about my character as I rambled on. ¡°When he turned everything into gold, he regretted his wish and cursed it. Dagger got wrapped up in his own world without a thought to how much he hurt others. The only thing on his mind was how to control and manipulate you and your money.¡±


    Pleased with how I managed to put that story together, I softly kissed her head again.


    ¡°That you still can love a guy like that makes you an angel in my mind.¡±


    Adele looked up at me with surprise filling her tear-covered face.


    ¡°I never thought I would hear such ideas coming from you. Everything you said before told me you wanted the world, not me.¡±


    The woman put her head on my chest again.


    The time slowly passed by, and I kept my arms around her. Even in the silence, the position felt more comfortable. Gradually, I felt her relaxing.


    ¡°Your heartbeat still calms me,¡± she breathed. ¡°By the way, you never called me an angel before. Please don¡¯t let it to be another throwaway line.¡±


    This time, I grasped her shoulders and gave her a deeper kiss than the last one. I felt no resistance when I softly sucked on her lips and savored its softness. I pulled away slightly to look into her eyes. They revealed a passionate interest now over the doubts I witnessed earlier. Adele wanted our relationship to work out. I saw this clearly in her reaction.


    Yeah, even if I''m a scumbag, I¡¯m going there!

 Chapter 11 I’ve Got a Crush on Myrna Loy

    When we finished a second round of sex, Adele gave me an unsure smile. I saw the conflict in her expression. Lust won out, and now she was having second thoughts. I pulled her to her feet and hugged her as she put her head on my chest.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do something fun every morning,¡± I told her while kissing her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t done a good job giving you pleasure, so I intend to make it up to you.¡±


    I felt her tense up.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You didn¡¯t enjoy doing that.¡±


    She shook her head but remained quiet. I used my fingers to lift her head to face me.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I want to know who you are,¡± Adele blurted out.


    To my surprise, she wasn¡¯t angry or upset. The person in front of her genuinely confused her. It was a tough question for me to answer. I scowled, trying to produce a rational explanation. Obviously, she would not believe that I¡¯m from another place and time.


    ¡°Yeah, I can understand. All of this is kind of sudden,¡± I sighed. ¡°But I¡¯ve learned something recently. And that starts with you, the one person who¡¯s still on my side. I need you in my life. Now I want to please you and become the man you wanted. That¡¯s not something bad, is it?¡±


    Yeah, I knew the last thing I said was typical bullshit, but I believed Adele certainly started the marriage with the right intentions. It didn¡¯t matter that Lane had little interest in treating her right. My goal might be selfish, but I wanted her to trust me and be happy. The woman¡¯s face flushed, and she lowered her eyes, obviously still in turmoil.


    ¡°But you saw¡ªhow can you? I mean, the men I¡¯ve been with,¡± she mumbled.


    Her statement caught me off guard. Her concern about how she must look in my eyes gave me pause. Again, Adele worried about someone else¡¯s feelings before her own. No wonder Lane used her so easily.


    ¡°Angel, you take that weight off to your shoulders,¡± I warned. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong in my eyes. This is all on Lane Dagger.¡±


    Normally, a guy finds his wife¡¯s cheating on him, then all hell breaks loose. Hell, I¡¯m the same way if I¡¯m back in my real world. However, I only knew Adele for a few hours, so I could not rightfully turn malicious against her for being lonely. Lane deserved her screwing around on him. Hell, he probably calculated it with his plans to control her money.


    Yeah, I¡¯m a son of a bitch. However, I¡¯m not that deceitful. Adele might deserve better than me, but I would do the best I could. Besides, I had plans for Lloyd and his partnership with me. She didn¡¯t need to know everything, since I couldn¡¯t explain the whole mess anyway.


    Still, I playfully swatted her ass and my tone turned cold to make my point.


    ¡°But there¡¯s going to be hell to pay if you ever meet with another guy from here on out. I¡¯m a jealous guy now, so what you saw last night is only a preview of what I mean.¡±


    Feeling like I was coming off too strong, I lightened my tone.


    ¡°Seriously, we¡¯ll forget everything about the past. Today is a new day. I¡¯m taking the morning off to catch up and to work on giving you a baby.¡±


    Adele glanced at me, still unsure how to take my statements. Then she nodded and picked up her clothing from the bed. She paused when a thought came to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to meet with Jenny for breakfast.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re staying home with your husband so we can fuck,¡± I insisted. Then I grinned.


    ¡°We¡¯ll catch up on months of a stupid man ignoring his beautiful wife and robbing her of affection.¡±


    I moved behind her, and I playfully swatted her ass again. Her shocked but somewhat amused reaction caught my eye from the reflection in the mirror on the wall. My grin turned into a smile.


    ¡°This is step two in you learning to trust me again. It¡¯s our real honeymoon. Seriously, I want to make up for being such an ass to you. I¡¯ll even make you breakfast in bed.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call her,¡± she finally said after a slight hesitation.


    Yes, she has some masochistic traits in her.


    Aside from my horniness for her sweet body, there was another reason I didn¡¯t want Adele to meet Jenny. Jenny Penske was a divorced, gold-digging bitch working to undermine the marriage. Even the bastard Lane Dagger hated Jenny, just not enough to stop using her to get his divorce. The way I read it; unhappy people like to bring down others to their level and Jenny Penske was as unhappy as they came according to the book. She was the one person I planned on removing from Adele¡¯s life soon.


    Jenny can get the hell out of my way!


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    ¡°Just tell your friend that you¡¯ve got other plans this morning,¡± I hugged Adele from behind as I whispered in her ear. ¡°I¡¯ve never asked you to do this before, have I?¡±


    The woman pulled away and faced me. Tears were building up in her eyes again.


    ¡°Lane, you¡¯re not playing with me, just to throw me away again, are you? I couldn¡¯t...¡±


    I interrupted her, bringing her into my arms. Then, I placed her head on my chest and we stood there for a while.


    ¡°No, I swear upon my life. I meant everything I¡¯ve told you.¡± The heartfelt words came out much stronger than I expected.


    Maybe I¡¯m convincing myself!


    ¡°All I ask is that you give me a chance to prove that a man of my word. You can shoot me if I¡¯m lying. Now, you go make that phone call to your friend and I¡¯ll get out the food going for our feast. We need our strength for later.¡±


    I watched her walk away wearing only her panties and reflected upon the morning so far.


    God, she¡¯s hot!


    Now, I¡¯m a man of my word, as Adele found out that morning. I looked at it like we started after the wedding. So, we took our time, enjoying the closeness as I slowly introduced Adele to various sexual positions that came from porno films. I had little reference beyond those videos since it¡¯s not like my girlfriends experimented with me that much.


    We explored our intimacy in ways that might make my great-grandparents blush. Adele¡¯s na?ve statements and embarrassment made me even hornier. Fortunately, my wife gradually loosened up. The glint in her eyes told me she found the time rewarding as well.


    As we wandered around naked through the apartment, I showed I¡¯m not above marking my territory. We made love on the couch where I discovered her and boyfriend last night. I also discovered a small office that looked more like a private library hidden behind two sliding pocket doors. Adele seemed to enjoy the swivel desk chair since she came up with a creative game for us to play.


    As the ideas became more scandalous given the era, her eyes lit up which allowed me to nudge her past embarrassment. I nuzzled her neck while I told her a few of my Hollywood Babylon-type stories I remembered. Since I didn¡¯t care if they were fiction or not, my purpose was to bring my modern sex thoughts into her old-fashioned world.


    While she tried to avoid the subject of fantasies at first, I kept insisting and finally she revealed a few. Trust me when I say that I won¡¯t forget to bring those hidden dreams to reality in the future. But it made me wonder something about myself.


    Damn, how far am I willing to go? Am I just using her?


    Moments later, I forget my thoughts as I gazed out at the parking lot below. For the finale that morning, I pressed her naked body against the window overlooking the parking lot. While Adele objected at first, she never wavered, as we had passionate sex in front of the world. When we finished, my woman finally answered my question from earlier when I repeated it to her.


    ¡°Yes, I love this,¡± she panted out as we held each other at the window. Her answer immediately caused me to briefly frown with a sudden thought.


    Can I develop feelings for the characters in this place?


    ~~~


    A week passed before I finally returned to my office to work on the next part of my plan. That morning, Adele hugged me tightly and asked me to stay. As tempting as it was, I gently kissed her with a promise of more fun when I returned. Her satisfied smile remained on my mind as I left the apartment. I suddenly wondered at a dilemma I hadn¡¯t expected.


    To keep my vow to keep Adele at my side, I spent the last four days focused on making my wife happy. Sure, that meant spending a lot of the time in bed learning new ways to please each other. However, I enjoyed the quiet moments where we talked or just held hands walking down the sidewalk.


    My thoughts went back to a certain bar along Knox Street outside of Dixie University. I met Samantha there, but my time talking with her mostly came in the way of chats between smartphones. If we went somewhere together, inevitably she or I would invite our friends along. Since most of the jerks I called friends had girlfriends, our time as a group consisted of drinking and forgetful nights.


    My time with Adele was completely different. We took walks around the neighborhood. I discovered her favorite restaurant. We even found a park to feed the swans. Her confidence in me grew over the period which I noticed in our interactions at the places we went together.


    Still, I kept up feeding my need for information. At the apartment, I searched the drawers and shelves for any details about the past. I even snuck into the master bedroom and found Adele¡¯s diary, which I read through. Sure, I value privacy as much as the next guy, but I¡¯m still talking about survival here. Each night, I considered Miss Wonderful¡¯s warning on the night she put me in this place.


    Deciding to understand Stull Junction better, I suggested to Adele that we spend a day out on the town. Knowing my poor driving skills with a manual transmission, I let Adele drive us to various places she wanted to visit. Despite initial skepticism that she tried to hide, our tour of the city soon had Adele smiling when we entered the shops on Main Street together. During our time, I learned about her passion for cats when she found matching ceramic figurines of two Siamese. When I forked over a couple of dollars from my wallet, and you¡¯d think that I bought her a diamond. I have to admit; I enjoyed her smile.


    When we walked by the Apollo Theater, I pushed us to watch a movie together. In fairness, I wanted to experience the air conditioning they advertised on the window sign. Hell, so far, it¡¯s the only place with AC in this damn city.


    After getting two tickets, we walked inside. While I enjoyed the comforts of the 21<sup>st</sup> century AC, we checked out the upcoming attractions the theater displayed on the wall. Then, I spotted photographs from a romance comedy film. Normally, the pictures wouldn¡¯t gain my interest. But I saw the woman in the pictures, and I stopped. Stepping closer, my gaze centered upon a familiar face. I looked at the name on the poster.


    Myrna Loy!


    Now, I¡¯d seen that name before. She¡¯s like a famous movie star my grandpa told me about when I was younger. However, the shock still came to me when I realized that I¡¯d been with her up close and personal for nearly a week.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Adele asked.


    I stood there, looking at the picture and then at her. I pointed to the woman in the photo.


    ¡°Tell me, who does that look like?¡±


    Smiling, Adele stepped by my side and inspected the picture.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve seen her movies before. She¡¯s beautiful,¡± Adele frowned briefly, then she looked over at me. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve got a crush on Myrna Loy?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you look like her?¡± I couldn¡¯t believe she didn¡¯t see it.


    Adele smiled at the suggestion, turning back to inspect the picture. She looked over at the others in the series.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re sweet, dear, but she¡¯s much prettier than I am.¡±


    I shook my head and gave a bemused smile.


    ¡°Actually, you¡¯re much prettier than she is.¡±


    Adele took my arm and kissed me on the cheek.


    ¡°That type of flattery will get you anything you want when we get home.

 Chapter 12 Bleeding Through the Eyes

    As we walked along the sidewalk after leaving the theater, I remained in a bit of a trance. In fact, I don¡¯t remember much of the movie. I kept coming back to the fact that Adele could not recognize her own reflection in the pictures we looked over. Sure, people can look like a doppelg?nger, but you can¡¯t look at yourself in a picture and not recognize that it¡¯s you. Well, that¡¯s what I told myself.


    What if I¡¯m wrong? Maybe she¡¯s not that actress. That might be why the man I thought was Boris Karloff looked at me so strangely.


    ¡°You¡¯re quiet. Is something wrong?¡± Adele¡¯s voice brought me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°No, I was just thinking about how fun the last few days have been.¡±


    It was an honest statement. Now, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m in love. Hell, I can¡¯t even fathom what that means. But I¡¯m enjoying our time together.


    Like she read my mind, Adele wrapped her fingers with mine as she took my hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking that our time together these last few days means more to me than anything else we¡¯ve done since we got married.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, hasn¡¯t it?¡± I suddenly realized that I didn¡¯t know when Lane and Adele got married. In my head, I cursed Lane for not putting that in his little black book. After all, I¡¯ve read that book repeatedly until I can picture the pages in my mind.


    Making a mental note to find the marriage certificate when we returned to the apartment, I changed the subject. I wanted to try something with Adele that didn¡¯t work for me the first night in Stull Junction. If it worked, then so much the better. If it didn¡¯t, then I have a witness.


    ~~~


    I left the office early out of boredom after I looked over the old files until noon. Nothing in them told me anything beyond the fact that Lane had plenty of dirt on people in Stull Junction. Bluntly, I wondered how he remained alive. When I arrived back at the apartment after lunch, I found Adele in the kitchen, acting like Mrs. Cleaver from the old TV show. Wrapping my arms around her, I kissed her neck and she trembled.


    "That tickles."


    ¡°Say, how about we head out of town for a few hours? Let¡¯s look at the scenery.¡± I leaned my head on her shoulder.


    ¡°Plus, I¡¯d like to make love to you in the back seat of the car,¡± I whispered playfully. ¡°We can act like kids again.¡±


    Adele¡¯s face flushed at the suggestion, but I saw her eyes shine with interest.


    Half an hour later, we reached her car. Adele asked what road.


    ¡°You pick it, my angel.¡± I smiled, even though I very much doubted that we were leaving the city.


    After we drove several blocks away, Adele turned on to Maple Street and I noticed a few political posters in the yards of the Victorian homes that lined the street. One name looked familiar. Tom F. Winton for District Attorney showed on most of the colored poster boards. As I thought about it, the little black book informed me that the D.A. was one of the few honest officials in the town.


    I pointed out the signs to Adele, who glanced at me.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never told me you had an interest in politics.¡±


    ¡°Well, I have an interest in knowing the good guys from the bad ones. I heard Winton is one of the good ones.¡± I looked for her reaction.


    ¡°Oh, I guess he¡¯s alright. I met him at a party with Jenny. She says he¡¯s too much of a stuffed shirt. She likes the man running against Winton, someone named Paul Hyde.¡± Her face scrunched up with distaste.


    ¡°I thought Hyde was creepy looking.¡±


    Her statement doesn¡¯t surprise me since Hyde knew Lane Dagger and they had an arrangement of some sort. The little black book wasn¡¯t too specific on that detail. My thoughts turned to Jenny. My initial instinct to remove Jenny from Adele¡¯s circle seems an accurate path to take. I just needed to find the opportunity.


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    When the car reached the outskirts of Stull Junction, I grew tense knowing the city limits sign wasn¡¯t far away. Adele continued to talk about Jenny¡¯s party life and her multiple lovers. His wife called them boyfriends, but I wasn¡¯t buying that. Out of curiosity, I asked if she was envious of Jenny.


    ¡°Considering how close you are, it appears you admire her independence.¡± I kept it as neutral as possible to see her reaction.


    Adele gave me a curious look and then shook her head. I noticed her face sadden at the comment.


    ¡°I admit I¡¯ve thought about that, especially as she kept insisting that I could do better...¡± she glanced over when she realized what I might think about her friend.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean she hates you,¡± Adele insisted.


    I chuckled, knowing better, even though I had never met her.


    ¡°Well, whether or not she hates me, I¡¯ll survive as long as you¡¯re on my side.¡±


    Yeah, it was a trite line, easily thrown away with little thought. But it seemed to work. Adele¡¯s smile beamed, and she reached over and took my hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not like her. As things were falling apart between us, she supported me. Maybe I¡¯ve done...well...¡± Her expression flustered as she tried to explain. I understood Adele¡¯s personality. Her loyalty to friends made her susceptible to their bad intentions.


    ¡°We¡¯ve both hurt each other, and I believe we can work through the issues,¡± I interrupted her. ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up for things you don¡¯t have responsibility for doing.¡±


    Adele gave me an odd look at my words. That¡¯s when I wondered about the wisdom of my actions with Adele. In a way, I continued acting like Lane Dagger. Wasn¡¯t I using her feelings to achieve my ends?


    Doesn¡¯t it make me a hypocritical ass for continuing a relationship with Adele?


    My smile momentarily disappeared as I considered the idea again. A few days ago, I¡¯d dismiss the thought. But Adele must be real. She carried intelligence, emotions, morals, everything I would consider being human. What happens when I eventually return to my reality? After all, that¡¯s my goal in the end. Yes, I want to survive here, but I still want to return to my place in a world before Miss Wonderful.


    Thoughts came to me about an article I remembered reading at some point. It concerned the coming of computer sentience at one time. The article concerned what we consider sentient, whether animals, plants, or computers. After entering Stull Junction, I considered everyone around me a character, not unlike a virtual avatar. I consider no one in Stull Junction a real person. When I see characters like Boris Karloff, it reinforces my belief that this place is not reality. But my logic fails me when I feel Adele¡¯s warmth and concern!


    As some famous guy stated, I think, therefore I am. If Adele thinks, she must exist. That left me with an uncomfortable thought. Because of my insistence on re-establishing our connection as a couple, I¡¯m leaving her open to more suffering when I depart.


    I haven¡¯t cut myself yet. However, the bloody nose I gave Lloyd, along with my sore muscles after arriving here, told me that this place wasn¡¯t a type of virtual reality. At least I didn¡¯t think so. Doesn¡¯t it mean that those around me exist after my departure? There¡¯s no reset like the video games I played while sitting next to my stupid sleeping cat? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ve really become Lane Dagger by leaving.


    God, that¡¯s what I get when I learned about my moral code during my first-semester philosophy class!


    ¡°We¡¯re almost to the city limits,¡± Adele¡¯s voice brought me out of my muddled thoughts.


    I looked up to see the sign approaching and my thoughts went back to the last time I tried this. My eyes followed the marker as our car approached it, and I held my breath. Still expecting a flash of light, I waited.


    Nothing happened.


    I glance back and see the sign behind us. I feel a growing confidence until I look out the front windshield. My vision turns blurring, then a red tint covers everything I¡¯m looking at.


    ¡°Do you think you can leave?¡±


    It¡¯s a familiar voice in my head, cold and arrogant like the first time I heard it.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡±


    I asked, as I turned my head to Adele. Her expression immediately changed. But I¡¯m not expecting her to suddenly slam on the brakes. Flying into the dashboard with my shoulder, my legs locked up as she brings the car to a stop.


    ¡°Lane, your eyes! What happened?¡±


    Looking through the red haze at her terrified face, I feel liquid on my cheeks. I push myself back into the seat. Reaching up with my hand, I wipe away the fluid and see blood covering my palm.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I blink my eyelids and realize the blood is coming down like tears.


    Adele goes through her purse, then pulls out tissue paper, which she presses underneath my eyes.


    ¡°My god, you¡¯re bleeding out of both eyes, Lane.¡±


    Looking at her face crumpled in worry, I realized I must look like hell. A bit of fear fills me when the pain shoots through my head.


    ¡°Did you hear that voice?¡± I ask her as I fumble around, blindly trying to assist her.


    ¡°Honey, keep your eyes closed and let me do it.¡± Adele told me in a soothing tone, and I complied.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t hear someone¡¯s voice?¡±


    ¡°No, I was telling you that this road goes to Willoughby,¡± her voice trembled. ¡°Now, here you hold these tissues over your eyes. We¡¯re going to the hospital.¡±


    I tried to stop her, even knowing I had already lost the argument. I¡¯m sliding across the seat as Adele uses the road shoulders to make a U-turn. The large car bounces around a few times, forcing me to open one eye. The stabbing pain in my head makes me want to puke. I catch a peek at the damn city limits sign again as the car barrels by. Almost immediately, the pain in my head fades away. I leaned back in the seat, silently cursing the entity that did this to me.


    Adele¡¯s hand touched my shoulder, and I told her not to worry. Only the road noise made its way into the car as I recalled the voice that came through my head earlier. I knew in an instant.


    That fucking bitch, Miss Wonderful!

 Chapter 13 Medical Miracle and Alice My Invisible Secretary

    <div>


    In a way, I guess it made sense. Somehow, the evil woman plopped me into Stull Junction. But I still had no clue about the reasons behind her actions. Making me suffer for trying to leave didn¡¯t make sense unless the answer was obvious.


    Leaving Stull Junction meant I could leave her control over me. That had to be the reason. She didn¡¯t want me dead. Given the pain and blood, killing me was easy for her. As I thought through the events that happened, one thing became obvious to me.


    She wouldn¡¯t leave me alive unless she needed me for something.


    A few minutes later, we pulled into the Kildare General Hospital. By this time, the blood no longer ran from my eyes and my headache was gone. Still, my face looked like I lost a boxing match according to my wife. I dutifully went with her inside the entrance. Not long after, the nurse escorted us into a white room with Adele nervously pacing the floor. And I kept staring at her white and blue dress that looked more like a waitress¡¯ uniform.


    Naturally, my bleeding eye problem met with some skepticism, despite the dried red blood still covering some of my face and hands and a good portion of my white shirt. However, the woman respectfully wrote our description on the clipboard form she had in her hands. When the doctor arrived, he had a cigarette in his mouth. When he looked me over, I noticed his own eyes were bloodshot. The man nodded and hummed to himself while flashing a small light into my eyes. After whispering with the nurse about the chart in her hands, he came back to the table that I sat upon.


    ¡°Well, Mr. Dagger, you have an unusual case. Normally, I¡¯d say this stems from a head injury, yet you and your wife said you didn¡¯t strike your head. In fact, you state the symptoms happened before your wife hit the brakes.¡±


    Of course, I had no intention of telling him about Miss Wonderful, so I downplayed everything.


    ¡°Yeah, it happened pretty fast. Maybe I bumped my head earlier this week and didn¡¯t pay much attention to it.¡±


    The doctor rubbed his cheek, nodding at my diagnosis.


    ¡°Certainly, that¡¯s a possibility. You don¡¯t show signs of subconjunctival hemorrhage which I would expect. Now, I could have an x-ray done on your skull to look for any problems.¡± He mulled over the idea.


    I didn¡¯t want to hang around much longer, so I resisted his idea.


    ¡°Doc, I haven¡¯t felt dizzy and I¡¯m back to normal. This only happened once. Do I need an x-ray? Hell, I didn¡¯t bump my head that bad if I can¡¯t remember it.¡±


    The man looked at Adele, then back at me.


    ¡°I will tell you that rest is the best medicine sometimes. I want you to go home and get some rest. Now, if you have any pain or other symptoms at all, I want you back here to see me immediately.¡±


    I nodded and put my fedora back on my head while Adele tried to insist on me staying at the hospital. She talked about the need for more tests. I smiled at her and took her by the arm.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, doc knows best. I¡¯ll come running this way if this happens again. I think it¡¯s just a freak thing that happened.¡±


    Guiding her to the door, I thanked the doctor for his help. The nurse joined us while Adele continued to push for me to stay.


    ¡°Babe, I swear I feel fine. Let¡¯s not worry right now. We¡¯ll go home and have a quiet evening.¡±


    She stopped in front of me and pressed both of her hands on my chest. The worry in her expression made me grimace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play a tough guy just because you¡¯re a detective,¡± she said.


    I grinned at her.


    You have me so wrong.


    I couldn¡¯t explain, yet I didn¡¯t want her to worry, so I kissed her instead.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hug you with all this blood on me. But I promise that I¡¯m not playing tough, alright? The pain is gone and I¡¯m not bleeding anymore. But let¡¯s consider the fact that they probably can¡¯t test for something like this. Don¡¯t you think the doctor would tell me to stay if he could do that? Come on, let¡¯s think this through. If it happens again, then they can make me into a lab rat.¡±


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    It cost me eight dollars and fifty cents to get out of the hospital. As we walked to the car, I shook my head in disbelief at the low cost. It remained difficult for me to accept the prices I found in Stull Junction. Fifteen cents will get you a hamburger, while a soda in the bottle goes for a nickel.


    When we got to the apartment, Adele appeared to calm down. She asked me if I wanted anything, and I shook my head. Sitting on the couch, I let out a long breath. I felt bad for her. Seeing someone sitting next to you spilling out blood isn¡¯t a pleasant experience.


    ¡°Get out of those clothes,¡± she told me.


    Her hands came from behind the couch to press on my shoulders.


    Tossing my head back, I grinned at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting pretty aggressive,¡± I teased.


    ¡°I want to get the bloodstains out of the clothes, you idiot,¡± she playfully slapped my forehead.


    Then Adele bent over and kissed me lightly on the lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever scare me like that again.¡±


    Tears welled up in her eyes as she pulled back. Adele stepped away, heading for the kitchen. I watched her with a sinking sensation in my belly at the pain I caused her. She¡¯s going to hurt because of my injury. My curiosity at trying to leave the city led to this.


    I¡¯m such a damn fool.


    ~~~


    As I pulled the car into a parking spot outside the building to my office, I decided I should put in a patent for power steering. Struggling to park that big automobile reminded me why I liked new technology. I looked up at the five-story building holding the office of Lane Dagger and yawned. The lack of sleep overnight caught up with me.


    Thoughts and concerns kept me awake long after Adele went to sleep. The worries carried over into my dreams, forcing me to wake before the sun rose. I quietly got out of our large new bed and dressed. As I got ready to leave, I walked over to the other side of the bed and gave Adele a kiss on her lips which woke her. She sat up, promising to get me breakfast, but I told her to sleep in.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to my office to wind things down there. I¡¯ll be back early as I can.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It means I have other ambitions and I don¡¯t want you to worry about me,¡± I said with a smile. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll be a good radio announcer? Maybe we can buy a radio station.¡±


    Adele stared at me with a cute, confused expression.


    ¡°Where¡¯s this coming from? You¡¯ve never spoken about doing something like that.¡±


    ¡°I told you; things are changing. Now go back to sleep. There¡¯s nothing to worry about. I¡¯m going to have you in the middle of everything.¡±


    As I looked up at the windows of my crazy office, I remembered the satisfied look on Adele¡¯s face at my idea. Then, I wondered what Miss Wonderful would do now since I¡¯m changing my path again. With a smirk, I slid out of the front seat.


    Someday, I¡¯ll spit in your face, lady! I haven¡¯t forgotten my treatment.


    While I stayed at the apartment, I completed my search of everything written or stored inside the rooms. Feeling I had a suitable understanding of my life with Adele and our situation, I next moved to the private detective occupation of Lane Dagger.


    To be honest, I planned on getting out of this office as soon as I could. Realizing that I¡¯m not cut out for this work, I¡¯m thinking that maybe I¡¯ll become involved in one of the local radio stations. My dreams of becoming a talking head weren¡¯t dashed yet. Since television isn¡¯t around here, I decided that becoming a radio announcer would be fun. Who knows, I might even have the voice for it.


    My initial plan is to collect the files that are in the office for useful information, then wind down any commitments. I doubt there¡¯s much for me to do since no one called the apartment looking for me during my time alone with Adele.


    My quiet office can¡¯t be that busy with work.


    When I walked in, the empty chair at the desk swiveled around. The madness of what I witnessed reminded me to name my invisible secretary right then.


    ¡°Hello Alice. Sorry I¡¯m late, but I got caught up with my wife. I hope your day is going well.¡± I told her as I stopped at the large metal water cooler that sits on metal legs sitting by the door.


    Now, I used the name Alice after I remembered a book called Through the Looking-Glass. I know many people have never read the second book about Alice¡¯s adventures. Hell, I never read it either, but I remembered watching some old cartoon based on the book when I browsed the Internet. Obviously, there¡¯s no web here, not even a damn TV, but my point is that everything in Alice¡¯s world is reversed, including logic, after she pushes through the mirror.


    The name suits this place. Alice¡¯s world in the fairy tale is pretty fucking weird. But it¡¯s got nothing on the damn version of Wonderland that I¡¯m living in.


    As I stood there considering what I said, I¡¯m pretty confident that Alice isn¡¯t a ghost or spirit but more like a presence inside this office. It appears that she¡¯s here whenever I arrive. I¡¯m considering Alice as the perfect A.I. in a world that doesn¡¯t have much in technology.


    I¡¯m curious if she¡¯ll got mad at me using that name.


    Watching the chair holding my invisible secretary turn back around and papers start shuffling on her desk, I shrug at the non-response and look over at the water cooler. The glass carbuncle filled with water beckons me since I¡¯m sweating inside my wool clothes. I pull out this ridiculously small paper cup from a holder on the stand. When I pour the water, the carbuncle shakes and gives out a blu-lop sound as a large bubble rises inside. I smile like a kid and do it a couple of more times after swallowing down the water.


    Sometimes the simplest things can be fun, I decided.


    <div>

 Chapter 14 Her Best Friend Jenny

    While Alice continued to work, I headed back into my office and closed the door. I needed quiet time to analyze the black book and pull together a raft of thoughts filling my mind since I¡¯ve arrived. Taking another notebook from the desk drawer along with a pencil, and began to lay out some of my thoughts.


    First, turn Adele into my happy wife and keep that relationship in place. Under that list, I made a note that I needed to remove Lloyd from causing my problems.


    I opened the little black book and looked up Lloyd Childress again. I noted he¡¯s a lawyer with his retired father and he¡¯s known for some shady dealings that are just on the right side of legal. Unfortunately, I needed more details about him. Something about how he looked at me made me think there might be useful information for me to exploit.


    As I leaned back, I noticed the letter on my desk from Adele¡¯s lawyer. Then, I quickly picked it up and opened it. The name on the outside return address was from the office of Childress and Son. Lloyd signed the letter inside. I already understood that Lloyd was doing the same thing as Lane did to Adele. Play with her emotions to get to her fortune. Even if not, I busted him in the face, so I knew he would come after me out of revenge. I shook my head at the thought. To protect Adele, Lloyd remained my target.


    Let¡¯s be honest, it¡¯s to protect myself as well.


    A few minutes later, I flipped the intercom switch.


    ¡°Say, can you tell me how to get to the library?¡±


    A sigh coming from the speaker showed she thought I was a dunce for not knowing something so simple. After she gave me directions, I finally asked her if she was upset because I called her Alice.


    ¡°Why would I be upset when you use my name?¡±


    Man, I¡¯m damn lucky. Or is this whole place rigged to know my thoughts?


    My last thought scared the hell out of me.


    ~~~


    It was midafternoon and Adele Dagger sat at the table across from Jenny Penske, who continued to regale the uninterested woman about her latest male conquest. Adele¡¯s mind remained on Lane¡¯s sudden change. The look he gave her before he left brought back feelings she considered hopelessly lost. She was also blissfully tired from her husband¡¯s sudden interest in her body.


    ¡°Adele, you¡¯re a million miles away!¡± Jenny huffed, tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder. ¡°First, you stood me up the other morning and now you¡¯re lost in thought. Is something wrong? Did Lane hurt you again?¡±


    ¡°Actually, no, quite the opposite.¡± Adele shook her head before taking a sip of her martini. Jenny ordered it, although Adele wasn¡¯t really interested in drinking.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m not sure what to make of him. Something¡¯s changed, that¡¯s for sure. He¡¯s showing me a side that I didn¡¯t expect.¡±


    Jenny cast a doubtful glance.


    ¡°Really? I don¡¯t see why you don¡¯t just let him go. I¡¯ve told you a thousand times that he¡¯s no good. That business is so dirty. I¡¯ve seen those magazines and movies about detectives peeking through keyholes for their money.¡±


    Adele flashed a smile at the thought of her husband¡¯s desire to bring out her fantasies.


    ¡°Lane might be a lot of things, but a Peeping Tom isn¡¯t one of them. Anyway, I know him...Her voice trailed off.


    Do I really?


    ¡°I think he¡¯s changing like I hoped. You would believe how he reacted when he found Lloyd in the apartment with me a week ago?¡±


    Jenny¡¯s green eyes sparkled at the thought of new gossip, and she leaned forward. Adele caught the look.


    ¡°It was all very harmless, but Lane actually got jealous,¡± she remained intentionally vague but pleased. ¡°It was the first time that he scared me like that.¡±


    ¡°Did he hit you?¡± Jenny¡¯s hopes for a scandal were obvious in her tone.


    Adele thought back over the evening. Even though she witnessed her husband¡¯s anger, she never felt threatened by him. His words hurt her badly, but Adele believed she probably deserved some of it. After all, while she wasn¡¯t that interested in Lloyd for the long term, bringing a lover into their apartment was like pouring salt into a wound.


    ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± Adele told her friend. ¡°Lane told me he was changing his ways, and he¡¯s definitely trying. Deep down, I always knew that he needed an intellectual challenge. That¡¯s why he does that detective work on the side. It¡¯s not like we need the money. Besides, Lane has a knack for fixing problems, so he¡¯s good at what he does. I know he has a terrible reputation in Stull Junction, but I know deep down that he¡¯s got good points.¡±


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    She finished her drink.


    ¡°Hopefully, things can be different now.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that? This doesn¡¯t sound like you,¡± Jenny put her arm around Adele.


    ¡°Your lawyer, who I so kindly sent to you, finally got you to sign the divorce papers. I can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re getting cold feet. Listen to me. You¡¯ve got your choice of good-looking guys you can have fun with. You just need to get that SOB to sign those papers and be free, like me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this my way,¡± Adele snapped. Flustered, she quickly smiled as Jenny drew her arm back. ¡°Sorry, Jen, but I was up late, and I¡¯ve thought a lot about this during the last few days.¡±


    She reached over and patted her friend on the forearm.


    ¡°I know you mean well, but Lloyd is not for me. Besides, Lane made it clear that Lloyd will not like what happens to him if they meet again,¡± she said.


    Adele¡¯s voice drifted as she remembered that night her husband fought for her.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious about the change in Lane and I¡¯m going to see where it goes. After all, the papers are sitting on his desk. Let¡¯s finish up. I have to be back for supper.¡±


    Her friend nodded; her expression still offended.


    ¡°Alright, since I¡¯m your friend, I¡¯ll support you. But I still say you¡¯re too nice about this,¡± Jenny smirked. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve got a delicious-looking photographer coming by the house. I¡¯ll give him your number. Adele needs her own challenges and Steve is a wolf who likes married women. He¡¯ll make your life interesting.¡±


    Adele smiled to herself.


    ¡°Your friend won¡¯t like my response,¡± she told Jenny grimly.


    Jenny looked at her with narrowed eyes and inwardly decided she¡¯d make sure that Lane got out of her friends¡¯ life.


    It looks like I must nudge our friend to fix your problem permanently.


    ~~~


    I walked along Main Street, then took a turn down Depot Avenue, heading to the Stull Junction Public Library after getting Alice¡¯s directions. On the way, I noticed a quiet train station with several cars parked in front of it. Curiosity got to me as I wondered how many trains passed through the city and what cities you could get to from here.


    Stifling in the suit, my mind wandered back to when I wore tee shirts and blue jeans for my classes. And the classrooms had air conditioning. It reminded me I haven¡¯t encountered a place with modern cooling.


    And they always say the good old days!


    Getting thirsty, I looked for a refreshment stand when I came upon a Kress 5-10 store. In the window, I spotted a big cooler with an ad for Dr. Nut soda. Going inside, it took me a while to figure out how to use a bottle opener since twist tops weren¡¯t invented yet. Laughing at myself, I remembered a movie where Marty had the same problem.


    While drinking my soda, I looked over the displays. I noticed firecrackers, and they even sold ammunition in an area near the toys section. Wondering about all the code violations the store would have in the era I lived, I shook my head in amazement. Saving myself a nickel, I placed my empty glass bottle in with the others on the rack and walked the remaining distance to the library.


    The place wasn¡¯t hard to find with the name Stull Junction Public Library engraved in the pediment above the entrance. After stepping up the marble steps and going past the columns, I entered a building that smelled of old musty books. A wave of nostalgia swept through me. Hanging around the library stacks at high school and college was one of my favorite pastimes. After all, I¡¯m a bit of a loner by nature with a thing for reading, so the library seems the perfect spot for me.


    That was until I went to the counter and met a woman who looked like the Wicked Witch of the West without the green face paint. The only difference that I see is she¡¯s not wearing the pointed cap. Anyway, her stony expression softened when I asked about the reading room for the latest news and a map room.


    I wound my way up a flight of stairs to the next floor, where I found the map room. For some crazy reason, I didn¡¯t expect to find the city on a map. But the first thing I saw on the wall after going into a room filled with flat shelves was an old map of the original town layout.


    Intrigued by the wall image, I went over to a map of the U.S.A. hung on the wall behind a cute young lady standing at a counter.


    She glanced at me, then smiled. The girl is a brunet with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her dark blue dress is simple, and she¡¯s wearing a thin sweater. While I admired her pretty green eyes, her smile revealed crooked teeth which didn¡¯t disturb her looks. I guessed that she¡¯s just out of high school. Still, I wasn¡¯t used to such attention.


    ¡°Can you show me where Stull Junction is on the map behind you?¡±


    The girl turned around and I¡¯m distracted for a moment at the well-built figure outlined inside her dress. Then, I follow her hand as it moved to the state of California before she placed her index finger on an area in between LA and San Francisco.


    ¡°It¡¯s right about here,¡± she replied while cocking her head back to see my reaction.


    ¡°Great! Now, pretty lady, where can I find a map of the cities for the state?¡± I gave her my best smile. I¡¯ll admit it felt good to see her reaction since I never got such responses as a student in high school or college. I¡¯m not ugly, but no girl in her right mind thought of me as hot. Married or not, I enjoyed knowing that a girl found me interesting. After all, find me a man who doesn¡¯t like the attention of a pretty girl and I¡¯ll bet he¡¯s gay or a liar.


    Blushing, she turned back to me and pointed to rows of flat shelves by the back wall.


    ¡°All the state maps are over there.¡±


    After I thanked her and turned away, the girl spoke up.


    ¡°If you need anything else, my name is Mandy.¡±


    I grinned and looked back. After giving her my name, I remembered to note her name in my little black book.


    Finding the map of California happened quickly, and I looked for the city. To my surprise, I couldn¡¯t find the name in the area that Mandy showed me earlier. But when I went to the highway map, I found the name Stull Junction and the time to drive to Los Angeles was an hour. Also, the time to San Francisco showed an hour north.


    But guess what? When I looked up the distance between those two cities, it told me they were 380 miles apart. Stull Junction can¡¯t be an hour away from either unless you¡¯ve got some bullet trains around here that I haven¡¯t seen.


    God, this place is frigging crazy!

 Chapter 15 Another Movie Star

    After leaving the library, I went back to the office with one pocket filled with more notes. My head reeled from too many details, but I carried a better understanding of the city and most of the key players. The information I found in the last few months¡¯ newspapers matched up with the little black book, which made me feel better.


    Entering the quiet outer office, I noticed the window remained open, so I assumed Alice sat in the chair. I said hello and entered my office. I found a pretty surprise waiting for me.


    Sally¡¯s pretty face turned somber when she looked up from the couch as I walked in. The late afternoon sun shining through the half open slats of the window shade gave her a mysterious air, with her blonde hair falling over one eye. Suddenly, I recognized her. I¡¯d seen that same peek-a-boo blonde hair falling across her face along with a sexy aloof expression in several the old movies I watched with my dad.


    ¡°You¡¯re Veronica Lake!¡±


    The woman looked at me in confusion.


    ¡°No, my name is Sally Vaugh. You remember me, don¡¯t you? You helped me with my husband.¡±


    There was an awkward pause as I tried to understand her words.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, of course. I remember meeting you. But I swear you could be her twin,¡± I finally mumbled out.


    Sally¡¯s expression changed from puzzlement to concern about the man in front of her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of this person. Who is she?¡± She tried to appear interested.


    ¡°You mean you¡¯ve never heard of Veronica Lake, the movie star?¡± My dumbfounded expression must have looked funny. ¡°She did all sorts of movies back in...¡±


    I stopped, realizing I sounded like an idiot.


    ¡°Anyway, I want to hire you, Mr. Dagger.¡± Her calmness while standing poised and professional in front of me was like nothing like the night before.


    I scratched my head, still confused about many things, while heading to my chair behind the desk.


    ¡°Hold on a second. You said you hated me for being some money-grubbing jerk.¡± I sat back in the chair. I still couldn¡¯t let go trying to understand how she didn¡¯t know about a famous movie star.


    She hesitated, then gave me a sympathetic smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s an interesting way that you put it. Listen, I¡¯m sorry for saying those things,¡± the woman assured me. ¡°You helped me during a terrible time. I should have thanked you and not thrown you out. Will you forget and forgive my insults? I¡¯m in trouble and I want to hire you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure...let¡¯s start with your story,¡± I suddenly had a bad feeling about her problem. ¡°I¡¯m willing to guess it has something to do with your husband.¡±


    Sally took a seat, her movements precise and elegant. Wearing a simple brown wool dress with padded shoulders and a diagonal row of lighter brown plastic buttons running from the right shoulder downward to the broad leather belt, she glanced around the room before returning to me.


    ¡°Yes Mr. Dagger, it¡¯s about Joe. I need your help.¡±


    ¡°Is Joe alright?¡± I felt uneasiness fill me.


    ¡°Yes, yes...Joe¡¯s fine.¡± Her hands clutched at a tiny purse. ¡°Last night brought everything to a head. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m going to tell you is difficult to discuss,¡± she admitted. ¡°You see, we¡¯ve been married for a couple of years. At one time, Joe made top money as a salesman.¡± Her sympathetic tone came at me in full force. ¡°He had a large national account, but I guess the pressure got to him. That¡¯s where it started. After the company let him go, he went to New York for a while to raise money for his next business. When he came back, it got worse.¡±


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Sally pulled a delicate handkerchief from her purse and dabbed at the corner of one eye.


    ¡°You still have me fuzzy. It sounds like you need a marriage counselor.¡±


    Her distraught expression got to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just our marriage. This goes deeper in some ways. Joe¡¯s drinking led to a lot of gambling. That¡¯s why I need your help.¡±


    ¡°I guess you must have money stashed somewhere to handle that problem.¡± I wondered if I needed to take notes.


    Sally shook her head.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve done alright. My father left me his company, it¡¯s a literary magazine. I¡¯m pretty good at running the operations,¡± she stated while looking at the window. ¡°In fact, we¡¯ve tripled the subscriptions in two years. I was planning on selling the firm; however, I can¡¯t afford to let it go now. It supplies the sole income for us to live. I¡¯m afraid that Freddie Antonio knows that I¡¯m looking to sell. Then, well...I can guess that Joe¡¯s probably opened his mouth when he¡¯s been drinking.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what about Freddie Antonio?¡± I interjected.


    ¡°As you know, Antonio runs a gambling house down on Dawson Street. A place called Rosetta¡¯s. Joe started hanging around there after he got back from New York and lost heavily.¡±


    She paused, trying to keep her composure. I felt bad for her, but my thoughts remained on Antonio.


    ¡°Before I knew about it, he was in so much debt that we couldn¡¯t pay. The more I tried to stop him, the more Joe lost, then he drank more. Sometimes he was like a crazy man. Antonio kept pushing him, pressing him. Antonio is a brute with evil men who will hurt us. It was a vicious circle.¡± Sally hesitated when she realized how bitter she sounded.


    ¡°It sounds like he needs help. Maybe a good shrink,¡± I suggested in sympathy. ¡°Look, this is all very dramatic, but I¡¯m not your guy.¡±


    In my growing anxiety, I recognized she wanted a real detective.


    I am definitely not the guy!


    ¡°Please, hear me out, Mr. Dagger.¡± She leaned forward, tears still in the corners of those blue eyes.


    ¡°Early this year, Joe didn¡¯t come home. I was worried and went looking for him. When I went to Rosetta¡¯s, Antonio told me that Joe had left town, and he was staying with friends. I knew it was a lie, but the man started to...well, he became too friendly, and I called him a filthy rat before I slapped him.¡±


    She composed herself, looking down at her hands.


    ¡°Then, that bastard told me I¡¯d receive Joe¡¯s ears in a box if I didn¡¯t pay off his IOU¡¯s. I didn¡¯t have a choice. He gave me two days, and I came up with enough cash for Joe to come home.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to the police?¡± His tone of incredulity caused her to cock her head oddly.


    ¡°Are you crazy? Everybody knows Antonio pays off the cops to look the other way,¡± Sally insisted. ¡°The only one who might take him on is the district attorney. What do you think he¡¯d do to me if I went to the D.A. about this?¡± Her stare insisted I was stupid to ask the question.


    ¡°So, I paid the debt off and I thought it would be the end.¡±


    ¡°Listen, I feel bad about your life. It sounds like you need to put your husband into an institution and walk away,¡± I flatly told her as I pulled off my fedora and tossed it on the desk.


    ¡°After last night, you¡¯ve got plenty of evidence.¡±


    Her face paled at the comment. For a moment, she stumbled to compose herself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for that now. Two days ago, Joe went back to Antonio¡¯s place even after he promised me he would never go there again.¡± Sally bit her lip, holding in her emotions. ¡°The bottom line is my husband bet a large amount on the poker table again. Of course, he lost, and Antonio wants more money than I can come up with. I have copies of the notes that Joe tried to hide from me.¡±


    She paused, stiffening in the chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m a proud person, but not too proud to say that I¡¯m scared.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t get what you want me to do.¡± My confusion brought a brief flare to her face.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t understand. You¡¯re famous in this town. I want you to go to Antonio. Talk to him and buy me some time,¡± she implored him. ¡°I¡¯m working on something to get us out of this fix. I¡¯m hiring you to help get me a week. That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking.¡±


    At that point, I know that my jaw nearly dropped out of its sockets. She wanted me to walk into a gangster¡¯s place and ask for mercy on her behalf. Now, I have seen plenty of movies about gangsters. One in particular showed me a couple waking up with the head of a horse in their bed. I¡¯m betting that Antonio¡¯s answer to her is likely to be a couple of bullets placed in my brain. Or, just as bad, I could end up wearing cement shoes at the bottom of a river.


    ¡°You just said they promised to give you Joe¡¯s ears unless you paid up. Somehow, I don¡¯t think you have enough money for me to take that risk.¡±


    After I said that, I¡¯ll admit that I hated how it sounded like a coward talking. I watched her as her blue eyes sought help. The hurt in the expression drew him in. Then she dropped her head. I took a deep breath and my mind screamed for me to throw her out of the office.


    Get over it, you fool. You¡¯re no hero!

 Chapter 16 Damn, Why Throw This at Me?

    ¡°How much money does Antonio want?¡± I asked, despite the alarm bells going off inside his head. ¡°Also, explain how you come up with the money for Joe if you get another week.¡±


    ¡°Twenty thousand,¡± she replied, looking down at her hands. ¡°We¡¯re already wiped clean from the last time. There¡¯s nothing left to get that kind of money quickly. That¡¯s why Joe tried to kill himself. He¡¯s desperate and knows about our insurance. I¡¯m going to get a loan on our insurance policy, but I need time. There¡¯s no other way to do it.¡±


    The room went quiet. Twenty thousand owed to a gangster made this situation a whole lot worse. Hell, in some parts of the country, they¡¯d kill you for your damn sneakers during my own time.


    ¡°Well, I can safely say your husband is a moron,¡± I finally declared. ¡°Maybe you should just get the hell out of town.¡±


    Panic flashed across her face.


    ¡°What do you think he¡¯ll do to my husband and me if we try to leave? I¡¯m not stupid. They¡¯re watching the house. The only thing left is to sell everything: my company, my house and all our possessions. I can¡¯t do that in a week. And what happens then?¡± Sally snapped, then looked down at her bag.


    ¡°Joe will still be back, losing more of the money. Can¡¯t you understand I need help? I told you I¡¯m sorry for how I treated you last night. Don¡¯t torture me.¡±


    Sally¡¯s shoulders drooped slightly, and she refused to look at me.


    Damn, why throw this at me?


    ¡°Listen, it¡¯s not about how you treated me. I¡¯m thinking out loud,¡± I scrambled to reassure her and himself. ¡°Believe it or not, I want to help. I¡¯m trying to think of a way where we don¡¯t get killed in the process.¡±


    He emphasized the last sentence before going quiet.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go to the cops now.¡± I mumbled to myself. ¡°Antonio will claim you¡¯re lying, then he¡¯ll really come after you.¡±


    ¡°Obviously!¡± The woman¡¯s sarcasm made me shot her a glare.


    ¡°Besides that, if I don¡¯t end up dead for talking to the cops, I have the business to worry about as well. We¡¯re a literary publication,¡± Sally explained after hesitating. ¡°That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t call the ambulance last night. The publicity would hurt us. All I need is reporters blasting my company¡¯s name all over the papers. My writers and readers will think the entire enterprise is turning into a circus.¡±


    I drummed my fingers on the desktop. Nothing came to my head beyond the idea of evil men hunting me with guns. Sally just plopped a nasty surprise on my lap. I carried the ability and experience of a college kid who lives on part time work to survive. It did not matter if she was beautiful. She¡¯s dealing with gangsters who cut off people¡¯s ears for fun.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to think about this.¡± I tried to sound like I might have a plan.


    ¡°I guess since I confessed, I don¡¯t have any money left. You¡¯re worried that I can¡¯t pay your bill. That¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it?¡± Her tone grew icy, just like the night before.


    ¡°Damn it, what the hell else do you want? A fucking contract written in my blood. Give me until tomorrow to see if I can come up with an idea. What you¡¯re asking is not a simple request.¡±


    Maybe I¡¯m the one that leaves town. No, I can¡¯t leave.


    Sally gazed at me for a long time. I recognized the look. She wanted to trust me, but she couldn¡¯t. Adele showed me the same expression before.


    ¡°I guess I don¡¯t have much choice. If you decide to help, you can reach me at Usher Magazine or my home.¡± She sighed and rose from the couch.


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    Sally hurried out of the office as I stood at my office door watching her. Wandering into the outer office, I leaned against Alice¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Tell me something, Alice. Why is it I keep coming into this office? Am I just as nuts as the world out there?¡± The room remained silent to my questions. I continued talking.


    ¡°I think I need to put all of this down on paper. I started thinking about a kind of diary in a way. All the weird, terrifying shit that I¡¯ve been forced to handle might make a great story. A bitch and her goons push me into this place. People don¡¯t realize they look like movie stars. Now I¡¯ve got a woman getting screwed over by a gangster.¡±


    Lifting my face to the ceiling, I suppressed the urge to scream.


    ¡°All I want to go home, pack the bags and take Adele as far away from Stull Junction as I can go.¡±


    I looked at the secretary¡¯s chair.


    ¡°Is that too much to ask?¡±


    When I arrived at the apartment after meeting with Sally, my brain remained in turmoil. However, the delightful smell coming from the kitchen led me in there. Adele stood by the white enamel stove, repeatedly stirring a saucepan. She smiled at me when she saw me eyeing the pans.


    ¡°I made chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes,¡± she announced. ¡°I¡¯m almost finished.¡±


    Now, this is pretty cool, I thought as I stood next to her.


    ¡°Can I help?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got everything covered. Everything is staying warm in the oven.¡±


    She looked at my face, reaching up to touch me on the cheek.


    ¡°How is your head doing? Any problems come back?¡± Her heartfelt tone was so sweet.


    I laughed, never expecting to hear those words, and she gave me a confused look. I gave her a hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing just fine, angel.¡±


    When she turned back to the stove, I put my arms around her waist while placing my chin on her shoulder.


    ¡°You know, I could get used to this. A beautiful woman cooking for me and asking me how my day went.¡±


    Her smile caught my eye, and I turned her head with my hand. As we kissed, I felt a strong urge building. She realized my thoughts.


    ¡°It¡¯ll have to wait until after dinner. I don¡¯t want things to burn.¡±


    ¡°With that kind of promise, I¡¯ll get the plate and silverware,¡± my fingers groped her ass.


    Now, dinner was superb. Adele is a splendid cook. However, my dessert playing with Adele in the master bedroom brought the day to a delightful finish. While my lover mentioned her soreness from the morning¡¯s fun, she never backed off. I gave her my full attention while we enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh over the next hour.


    Afterward, we lay together naked and covered in sweat on top of the blanket while I nuzzled her ear. I was content not to think about the bomb that Sally left at my office. Adele told me about her time with Jenny. She noticed my expression at the mention of her friend. I pointed out that some people in life aren¡¯t happy unless they can make other people feel miserable. To my surprise, Adele agreed. However, she avoided talking more about it, changing the subject to my work.


    ¡°Tell me something.¡± I ran my index finger around her nipple as she squirmed from the tickling. ¡°Do you want me to be a private investigator?¡±


    She turned her head with a surprised expression.


    ¡°You said you wanted to do something else. What is it?¡±


    I shrugged.


    ¡°I think I need to do this for a short while, but I have a bigger goal.¡±


    Her surprise remained as she pressed for more.


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    A mysterious grin curled on my lips.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a secret for now. But I promise that you¡¯ll be the first to know when I figure it more about how to achieve it.¡±


    I might be lying to her. I didn¡¯t know. But my time with Sally told me I¡¯m going to need to think about exposing myself to dangerous situations. For some reason, Miss Wonderful¡¯s words stuck in my head. Feisty and using my brains were the words, and they showed me that some type of risk awaited.


    Since I already changed the path that I walked with Adele and moved to keep her at my side, my fate might have changed. Maybe a change in my work might prove worthwhile.


    ¡°Did something happen at your office today?¡± Adele¡¯s question brought me out of my thoughts.


    After consideration, I let her know the gist of the conversation while explaining my accidental meeting with her and Joe. I wavered, debating the wisdom of my actions. However, I made a commitment to fix the situation with Adele. That required developing trust. After a few questions, Adele again surprised me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen Sally Vaugh¡¯s picture in the newspaper when her company had authors in the city. I guess you feel sorry for her.¡±


    I nodded absently.


    ¡°Yeah, I suppose so. But she¡¯s carrying a load of trouble that I don¡¯t need.¡±


    ¡°But you like trouble.¡± she rolled to her side and pulled in close on his arm. ¡°You used to tell me it kept you from getting bored.¡±


    Adele frowned when he failed to reply.


    ¡°Sally Vaugh is quite a beauty.


    I rolled my eyes, and she laughed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not being jealous.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I told her she¡¯s a double for Veronica Lake. She didn¡¯t know who I meant.¡±


    ¡°Is Veronica an old girlfriend of yours?¡±


    I looked over and saw Adele didn¡¯t recognize the name either.


    Just another instance of this crazy world, I decided.

 Chapter 17 Sally’s Problem

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not anything like that. The point is that she¡¯s wanting me to talk with Antonio about giving her more time to pay him off on her husband¡¯s gambling debt.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare do something like that! Antonio¡¯s an evil man.¡± Her alarm at my danger felt reassuring. It also told me I was on the right track about avoiding Sally¡¯s problem.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ve shut me out for a while now,¡± she continued. ¡°I¡¯m worried about what happened the other day. Seriously, don¡¯t put yourself in danger like this. I¡¯ve heard that people disappear after they meet with Antonio. Don¡¯t get involved.¡±


    I pulled her close and gave her a reassuring kiss.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not letting you become a widow. I¡¯m not the type to jump into a hornet¡¯s nest like that.¡±


    ¡°You better not,¡± Adele told him as she put her head on his chest. ¡°You owe a lot more time together than we¡¯ve had so far.¡±


    I softly stroked her head as I chuckled. Was it unreasonable for her to worry so much about me? If the roles were reversed, wouldn¡¯t I worry about her? If I didn¡¯t worry, then why am I here?


    The questions gave me a chill. I keep telling myself that I¡¯m leaving. But earlier, I said I wanted Adele to be with me and leave this town. I debated if I was just a coward at heart, unwilling to go it alone.


    Thinking back to when I was a kid, I believed in heroes. Growing up on cartoons, it wasn¡¯t hard to become a superhero by putting on a costume, then running around the house and yard with my imaginary superpowers. Fortunately, I grew out of such notions. There¡¯s only pain and heartache if I get involved. I was sure of that much. Besides, Sally wasn¡¯t part of my future.


    As I lay there thinking, Adele got up and put her clothes on. I watched her and did the same. While I sat on the edge of the bed putting on my shirt, Adele slipped on her dress and leaned over. I looked up and her worried face confused me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take that case,¡± she said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to become a widow. I want this to work.¡± She forced a smile. ¡°I need to wash the dishes.¡±


    After putting on my pants, it reminded me that the clothes I wore didn¡¯t fit me well. I went to the closet and found several other suits which I tried on. Surprisingly, the clothing was slightly different sizes as well. A couple of shirts had sleeves which were too long for me. Same for the pants and coats. Not a sizeable difference, but enough to make me think about it.


    I found the closest fit and decided that I would buy more clothing the next day. While I put on the clothes, I looked back into the hallway and considered the idea that the clothing came from her boyfriend. However, that didn¡¯t make sense as I only found one set of clothes at the office. I couldn¡¯t believe Adele would have some other guy¡¯s clothes in her bedroom.


    Coming up with no rational reason for the inconsistency in clothing, I shrugged, ticking off another strange part of the new world. I decided to ask Adele about it in the future. For the moment, I had another problem which needed an answer.


    I walked into the kitchen when I finished and told Adele that I planned on purchasing more clothes. I offered to help her with dishes, but apparently the kitchen remained her domain.


    ¡°Go find something to do in your office,¡± she advised, after flipping suds on me.


    I guess this is what married life is supposed to be!


    I realized the whole situation was ironic, since my relationship with my last girlfriend, Samantha, held nothing like what I found with Adele. My days with Samantha primarily consisted of two people who barely interacted outside of the bedroom. We stared at our smartphones or tablets while conversing with text messages for simple things, like deciding on getting dinner brought to us. It¡¯s kind of hard to be intimate through a computer chip.


    When I got to the door leading into the library area of the house, I noticed the day¡¯s newspaper sitting on top of the hallway table. Picking it up, I remembered that two people said they didn¡¯t know a famous actress. Wondering if something in the timeline of this world changed, looked through the back sections of the paper. I found the ads for the movies running at the local theater. After scanning through the ads, I didn¡¯t see the name. Maybe there is no Veronica Lake in this place.


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    The phone rang right next to me, startling me. I picked up the receiver on the second ring and answered. The caller immediately hung up. As I thought about it, I decided I knew who called.


    Well, I need to focus on removing that pain in the ass before I worry about Sally¡¯s problems.


    ~~~


    Sally Vaugh walked to her car near her company¡¯s building. The small parking lot held only a few cars since darkness fell an hour earlier. As she opened the driver¡¯s side door, her pressed lips showed her worry and frustration. The woman didn¡¯t hear footsteps until a hand firmly grabbed her shoulder and pushed her inside the car. With a yelp, she tried crawling through the car, but the other door opened, and a well-dressed man wearing a homburg hat slid in next to her.


    ¡°Hello Sally. Do you have my money?¡± Freddie Antonio asked while his bodyguard placed himself in the driver¡¯s side seat.


    The small women sat trapped between them.


    ¡°I¡¯ve still got another day,¡± Sally tried to remain steadfast.


    The doors opened to the backseat of the car and two more of Antonio¡¯s men got into the car.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a drive and discuss the matter. Hand him the keys,¡± Antonio told her.


    Sally looked around the parking lot and, seeing that she had no choice, handed the keyring to the large man to her left, who looked her over with a malicious grin.


    Antonio remained quiet until they left the parking lot before he spoke. She glanced at him, hating his bland expression and thin mustache. The woman saw his blue eyes sparkle when he turned to her. He had a handsome tan oval face, and he handled himself as a gentleman, but she knew it was only an act.


    ¡°One day to get twenty k is difficult for a woman with no friends,¡± he stated with a knowing smile. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that your husband left you in a bind.¡±


    ¡°Give me a week,¡± Sally suddenly told him.


    Antonio looked over with a frown.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you don¡¯t understand interest charges. You really are a dumb blonde. I hold a note that your husband signed for twenty thousand. Now, another week puts the total to thirty k.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an illegal debt. We don¡¯t have to pay.¡± Sally knew that fact didn¡¯t matter, but she kept looking for a way out of the trap.


    ¡°Ah, playing a stupid bitch now. Those signed notes don¡¯t mention gambling, so it will be difficult for the courts to say otherwise. And does it really matter if the boys decide to cut fingers off your husband¡¯s hand. Or should we work on your pretty face?¡±


    His tone turned harsh.


    ¡°You¡¯re boxed in with nowhere to turn. And I¡¯m not giving you more time. Tomorrow, you¡¯ll hand me twenty grand or bad things happen to you and that drunk. It¡¯s that simple. Are you clear?¡±


    Sally looked away, unwilling to concede her loss. She recognized there was nowhere to turn. Joe left her with no options but pain and humiliation.


    ¡°Alright, I get it,¡± she finally told him.


    ¡°But how? According to my sources, your company is already heavily in debt, so no more loans are coming. Plus, you can¡¯t sell your house to pay me. You really have little left to offer me.¡±


    His hard eyes traced her body as he spoke, and she inwardly shivered at the expression. Sally looked to the road, desperately trying to think of something. The car turned onto a dark road that led to the outskirts of the city. She tried to suppress her trembling hands.


    ¡°What else do you want? You can¡¯t bleed me anymore if you kill me.¡±


    The man replied with an unpleasant laugh.


    ¡°Oh, you still have a value. At one point, I might have removed some of your husband¡¯s gambling debt if you played nice with me, but after you slapped me, I had no choice but to take a personal interest in your downfall.¡±


    About thirty minutes later, Sally¡¯s car pulled into a dusty parking area outside of a two-story house. There were a few cars already there, and she saw two men enter the front door.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Antonio said as he opened the door.


    Sally remained in the car until the thug next to her pushed her out the open door. Antonio took her hand and squeezed hard.


    ¡°It¡¯s in your interest to follow me,¡± he explained coldly.


    He led her to the house while two of his men followed closely behind. When they stepped onto the porch, a skinny woman with too much makeup and wearing a worn dress opened the door. The smell of burned tobacco and booze drifted through the entrance.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Antonio, it¡¯s good to see you. Do you have a new girl for us?¡±


    Antonio didn¡¯t respond, only waved the woman away as he stepped inside the parlor area. Half a dozen women sat on two couches, each of them staring daggers at Sally. The women ranged in age, looks, and body types. All of them wore robes with their undergarments exposed underneath. Antonio took Sally by the arm and led them into the hallway and into a small room next to the kitchen. In the room was a leather day couch, cracked from age and use, sitting near one wall. Across from the couch, a desk filled with papers and empty gin and whiskey bottles sat in front of a window. Red velvet curtains, partially gray with dust, covered the window.


    ¡°This might become your new home when you cannot pay me tomorrow,¡± he pushed her to the couch before going to the desk chair.


    The thugs following him closed the door, leaving Sally alone with their boss.


    ¡°As you can see, this is one of several brothels that I own. One of my options is to put your ass in this house and put you to work upstairs. Unfortunately, you¡¯ll run out of looks long before you can repay what you owe me. Do I have your full attention?¡±


    Sally nodded, her face pale at the implications of his threat. However, she realized that the man had something else in mind.


    ¡°Then you have another idea,¡± she replied. ¡°Are you telling me this is the worst thing waiting for me?¡±


    He frowned.


    ¡°No, your death is the worst thing waiting for you. Whoring a minimum of twenty clients a night is just a step above. I believe you won¡¯t like either option unless you get smart.¡±


    The woman realized that he wanted something from her, and she suddenly grew terrified of the price.

 Chapter 18 Im Alone!

    ¡°What do you want to settle everything? There must be a reason you brought me here.¡± Sally tried to maintain her composure.


    He grinned and leaned back in the chair.


    ¡°I guess you can get smart. That¡¯s good¡¯ll make things so much easier.¡± He took off his hat and placed it on his knee.


    ¡°First thing that will happen is tomorrow you¡¯ll sign over your company to me. I¡¯ll make sure that your precious husband is there since he¡¯s a co-owner.¡±


    Sally¡¯s expression hardened at the news.


    ¡°Never! It¡¯s my father¡¯s company.¡±


    His eyes hardened as Antonio chuckled.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll explain everything so you can understand. I¡¯ve got people keeping an eye on your records. You have so much debt now, the company will fail in a year. That would make me wait to get everything at the bankruptcy auction.¡± He leaned forward with a leering grin.


    ¡°You see, I don¡¯t intend to wait. When I discovered that your company uses its own printing presses, an opportunity arose for my organization to use that fact.¡±


    ¡°I told you I won¡¯t sign away the company.¡±


    The man¡¯s smile held no mercy.


    ¡°You forget no one knows that you¡¯re here. That means you have no say in how I deal with you.¡± Antonio grabbed her shoulder, his fingers digging painfully into her.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you have only the options I give you. Here¡¯s the first. I¡¯ll have my boys coming in shifts to fuck you in one room upstairs.¡± He felt her body stiffen at the threat and he grinned while bringing out another thought.


    ¡°Oh, just for fun, I¡¯ll have your husband tied to a chair to watch the entertainment while I keep a bottle of booze just out of his reach.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Sally tried to shake off her grip, but she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. I can do anything I want to you and your stupid husband. This isn¡¯t the first time that I¡¯ve had a person try to resist my offer. But I never lose.¡± He let go of her shoulder, then patted her softly.


    Fear filled Sally when she realized the extent Antonio wanted revenge against her. His humiliation at being slapped by her made him consider her downfall just as important as getting the money or control of her company.


    ¡°I sign away everything and you¡¯ll forget the gambling debt,¡± she tried to maintain her composure. ¡°We can walk away, and you won¡¯t come after us.¡±


    Antonio laughed and stood up. He went to the door and whispered to one of his henchmen standing outside. His thug returned after a moment with two glasses and a bottle of scotch. Antonio took them while the door closed behind him. Sitting the glasses on the desk, he filled them with the scotch. He gave Sally a glass before he sat next to her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s be reasonable, Mrs. Vaugh. I pointed out earlier that your home and business just barely cover the debt.¡± He took a sip. ¡°Now, there¡¯s the matter of the future. Tomorrow, you and your husband sign everything over to me. Being the generous person that I am, I¡¯ll let you rent the house since you¡¯ll remain as the president of the company.¡±


    Antonio looked her over.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be nothing more than a token leader since I¡¯ll tell you what to do. Your business will change. We¡¯ll be moving into the nudie magazine market, which you¡¯ll keep under wraps, of course. I can¡¯t have the Feds come in, otherwise you to take the fall.¡±


    He drank the whiskey as Sally¡¯s world grew darker by the second.


    ¡°You¡¯ve planned everything. I¡¯m nothing more than your slave if I accept this.¡± Her whisper barely escaped as her hand holding the glass visibly shook.


    ¡°Hmmm...I hadn¡¯t really thought about it like that, but it does fit the reality. I¡¯m glad you understand. It¡¯s your decision, of course, but I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll enjoy my offer more than those girls working their debts off upstairs.¡±


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    He got up from the couch and sat the empty glass on the desk, then turned back to her. Antonio licked his lips as he reached out and touched her cheek. She recoiled and turned her head.


    ¡°I guess we can finish the details tomorrow at Rosetta¡¯s,¡± he laughed at her reaction. ¡°But we should talk about your husband. He¡¯s unnecessary for my plans, so I¡¯ll need to decide what my boys do with him now.¡±


    The man removed his jacket and started unbuttoning his shirt.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    Sally stared at him with a blank expression as she forced herself to nod. She understood she had no choice the moment she got into her car.


    ¡°As I told you before, I¡¯m quite taken by your looks and body. It benefits you tonight, Mrs. Vaugh. Now, remove your clothes and you can help ensure the safety of your drunken husband.¡±


    ~~~


    When Sally Vaugh drove to her home after leaving the whorehouse, she didn¡¯t notice the quiet streets or the clock on the dashboard, showing it was past midnight. The turns she took to her home came automatically as she kept her emotions buried. Ideas she once carried about her future died over the last few hours. Any hope she held about her husband died as well. Sally knew the marriage was nothing more than a farce, since Joe showed no inclination to change. Worse, she let the gangster use her as his personal whore to save her husband.


    Was Joe¡¯s love worth it?


    Her numb mind replayed the foolish reasons she told herself to stay married, leaving an empty burning hole in her stomach. Now, she couldn¡¯t think about Joe without seeing Antonio¡¯s face above her while he violated her body again and again.


    Before Sally realized it, the car arrived in the driveway to her home. She looked at the house blankly, trying to find any emotions not already pushed into the deepest recesses of her mind. The woman slowly exited the car, not paying attention as the car door remained open as she went to the house.


    Inside, Sally went to the phone and picked up the handset. She stood there, desperately wanting to talk to someone who could understand. Yet, no name came to her. She listened to the hum of the dial tone until it squawked. The woman finally noticed the handset in her hand and then returned it to the cradle.


    He¡¯s right, I¡¯m alone!


    ~~~


    Adele woke me as she slipped into the small bed with me. As we snuggled like a newly married couple, I reflected upon ideas that came to me overnight. I couldn¡¯t get Sally¡¯s problem out of my head. Despite my reluctance to become involved, I thought of a potential solution that would make things less dangerous for me and still get Antonio to let up on Sally. After all, greed is the number one motive of any hoodlum.


    While I lay there, I felt a delicate hand rubbing along my groin as Adele whispered in my ear. Nodding in agreement, we got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. In the shower, Adele and I enjoyed a carnal rendezvous. Over the past few days, my lover became quite imaginative about fun things to do together. I¡¯m sure it had something to do with her wanting to become a mother.


    Ah, the good life!


    After getting dressed, I went into our library office and glanced over the accounts. It¡¯s a bit of an understatement to say she¡¯s loaded. She¡¯d be running around with billionaires on yachts and private jets in my time. Her wealth also provided me with a way out of the dilemma that Sally left me the day before.


    Reminding myself it was only a loan, I pulled out a checkbook and wrote out a check, which I stuffed inside my coat pocket. I rejected the idea of calling from the apartment, since I didn¡¯t want Adele to become involved with my idea for several reasons. Not the least of which, Adele might agree, but she¡¯d worry endlessly.


    After going through my little black book again, I decided that the real Lane Dagger would leave Sally Vaugh to the mercy of Freddie Antonio. While the book held just the barest information on Sally, the notes around Antonio showed me that Lane saw the gangster as a potential partner in the future. That merely confirmed my thoughts that Lane was a grade-A asshole.


    The truth was, I felt an automatic reaction for me to go against anything that Lane wanted to accomplish. However, the push toward another solution needed to be smart and cautious. The funny thing was that my biggest worry stemmed from my promise not to get involved with Antonio.


    Does married life make a guy think like that?


    When I went into the dining room and ate breakfast with Adele, we talked about various things. I found myself interested in her background. Obviously, I can¡¯t tell her I don¡¯t know anything about her past, so I worked on ways to get her to open up about things. It¡¯s interesting to me how people will discuss themselves when I just shut up and nod.


    Surprisingly, I discovered my wife is older than me by four years and she finished college. She talked about her impressions of the city when she arrived after the honeymoon and her love of trains; I felt another tug of inspiration arrive. I suggested that we have another honeymoon somewhere far away. Adele¡¯s eyes lit up at the idea and I told her I wanted her to do all the planning, giving her the excuse that I couldn¡¯t do it well. When I left the apartment, my wife was already on the telephone with the travel agency.


    The morning sun had me overheated by the time I reached my car after I left the apartment. As I got in the driver¡¯s side, I still had a grin plastered on my face, thinking I might have discovered a way to get out of this screwy place. My assumption was based upon the idea that I was the only one in Stull Junction dealing with Miss Wonderful¡¯s trickery. With a plan which gave me confidence, I set out to chat with Sally Vaugh.

 Chapter 19 I Have a Plan

    Following my instincts along with my hazy waterlogged memories during my first night in the city, I drove toward the foothills. Eventually, I found the road leading to Sally¡¯s home. Although I missed the turn to her long drive up to the house, I doubled backed after turning into someone¡¯s drive, then found the narrow drive.


    Exposed by the morning sun, the curves along the way reveal an interesting view of Stull Junction in the distance below. When I finally reached the adobe structure, the first thing I noticed was a car near the porch with the driver¡¯s door open. I pulled next to it and got out of my Hudson and looked inside the empty car.


    When I looked at the front door to the house, I saw that it¡¯s wide open and I looked around the yard. There¡¯s a rising suspicion filling me as I walk to the entrance. Looking around, I called out, but there¡¯s no reply. Slowly, I made my way inside and instantly saw Sally lying on the white couch. My concern grew as I stepped closer, but she rolled her head and I realized she was sleeping.


    Kneeling next to the couch, I watched her, wondering about Joe. I noticed mascara streaks from her dried tears on her cheeks while lipstick smears covered her mouth.


    Did she have a fight with Joe?


    As I stared, her eyes gradually opened, the blue irises showing no recognition of me for a moment. Then she sat up with a wave of terror filling her face. When she recognized me, the expression changed to disappointment.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I got worried,¡± I explained. ¡°The front door was open. I think you even left the car door open outside as well.¡±


    The woman looked around and her face went deadpan.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You can leave.¡±


    ¡°Did Joe hurt you?¡±


    I let the question slip without thinking about it. I thought I struck pay dirt when her expression changed, and she scrambled to her feet. Tripping over a shoe as she rose, Sally fell into my arms, nearly sending both of us to the coffee table.


    ¡°Hold up,¡± I managed to say as I kept us upright.


    ¡°Is Joe here?¡± She struggled to remove her other pump, then yelled out for her husband.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see him. What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    Sally ignored me and hurried to the stairs behind the hearth. I followed along, remembering my last time at this rodeo. I also feared the worst as I went down the stairs. When I reached the bottom, Sally was hurrying to each room and yelling for Joe. When she finally got to the last open door, she stopped, and her shoulders sagged.


    ¡°The son of a bitch still has him.¡±


    I heard her statement when I reached her. However, her next reaction threw me for a loop. Sally fell to her knees and her shoulders began bouncing. Finally, heavy sobs erupted from her. I stood there, not understanding the grief I saw but unable to leave her in such a state.


    It seemed like an eternity before the shaking of her shoulders lessened. As I waited, I leaned against the hallway wall, slowly feeling sorry for her. Yeah, I consider her a character of this crazy world, but the grief I see is too real for me not to have some emotion.


    At one point, she glanced over at me standing there. Sniffling, she shakily rose to her feet. She silently passed me and went to the bathroom. I heard her blow her nose and looked up when she came out using a tissue to dry her tears.


    ¡°Why are you here still?¡±


    Her harsh tone made me lift myself away from the wall.


    ¡°I came to help you with your problem.¡±


    ¡°Did you finally screw up some courage?¡± Her mocking chuckle made me bitter, even if true.


    Sally kept her head down, dabbing her eyes with the tissue in her hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s no extension, so I don¡¯t need you.¡± Sally looked at me with such a vacant and lifeless expression that I realized something overwhelming had happened to her. The question for me was whether I dropped it or pressed. I took a deep breath.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about an extension. I¡¯m talking about money for you to pay Antonio off.¡±


    My words didn¡¯t get through for a moment. Sally tilted her head as she gave a blank look that made me wonder if she heard me.


    ¡°You...what?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but I¡¯m willing to give you a check for twenty thousand dollars right now for you to tell Antonio to go to hell!¡±


    I gave her a reassuring smile. However, I didn¡¯t expect the reaction that I would get. The woman broke down again, slumping against my chest. She might have fallen to the floor had I failed to catch her. Awkwardly trying to comfort her, I kept hearing Sally mumble the same thing over and over under her breath.


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    ¡°Why is this happening to me?¡±


    We finally got back to the living room as Sally gradually recovered. The woman appeared so emotionally spent that I couldn¡¯t think of anything to say, so I guided her to the stairs. When we got to the couch, I sat next to her and pulled out the check I made earlier.


    ¡°My idea is that we get this cashed at my bank, stuff the money in a suitcase and give it to Antonio.¡±


    Sally stared at it, tears welling up again.


    ¡°Where were you last night?¡± she softly asked and dropped her head. Tears fell on her clasped hands. Feeling uncomfortable, I patted her on the shoulder lightly, trying to act like a friend. I¡¯m not good at dealing with emotions anyway, and Sally appeared crushed by the weight of everything hitting her.


    ¡°Well, I just came up with the idea late last night. I thought a lot about the situation and my only solution was to pay off this guy to go away. But I¡¯ve got stipulations on the money, so things don¡¯t end up this way again. That¡¯s why I drove up here to see if you are interested in this idea.¡±


    Sally¡¯s head fell on my shoulder for a moment, then she used the tissue to wipe her eyes again. After taking a deep breath, she lifted her head and looked at me.


    ¡°Now, what do you require me to do for this money?¡± she asked in a bitter tone laced with venom.


    Now, I¡¯m not expecting a hero¡¯s welcome from Sally, but her brutal response to my offer took me back. I tried to keep my tone neutral as I laid out my conditions.


    ¡°Well, first thing is you have to put Joe into a place that can stop his drinking. Otherwise, you know he¡¯ll be back at the gaming tables. The second requirement is to keep him miles away from Antonio. Given what you¡¯ve told me so far, I can¡¯t imagine that bastard is only happy with money. My guess is he¡¯s trying to break you by using Joe as your weak point.¡±


    Sally¡¯s eyes widened, and she suddenly stood. The woman shook her head, mumbling to herself as she walked across the room.


    ¡°Are you saying that you decided Antonio was coming after me? You understood his plan just by our conversation yesterday in your office?¡± She remained facing away from me.


    ¡°Yeah, as I thought about it, I couldn¡¯t make sense of it. But I¡¯ve seen enough of T...¡± I paused, then restarted. ¡°I mean, gangsters in movies are always looking for opportunity. Antonio let Joe back into his place for a reason.¡± I pulled off my fedora and leaned back.


    ¡°No offense, but your husband is an alcoholic who¡¯s going to drag you into the pit with him. Gambling houses aren¡¯t likely to keep a guy like your husband coming back unless they can profit from it. I¡¯m guessing that Antonio listened to Joe ramble on about his life, then he sets him up with free drinks and takes the IOUs. The way I see it, Antonio is playing a long game, knowing he can get everything you have at some point. On top of it all, you slapped a hoodlum in public. I can¡¯t imagine that he¡¯d take that lying down. Big shots definitely like to stomp on ants.¡±


    Sally turned around. Her stunned expression turned bitter as she hesitated, searching for something to say.


    ¡°How could you...You can¡¯t possibly know...¡± The woman¡¯s voice quivered as she stared at me.


    ¡°Wait, it¡¯s because you think like him, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Offended at the thought, I scowled.


    ¡°If that was the case, then why did I come over here to help? I¡¯ve been honest about this whole thing.¡±


    Her shoulders slumped when she silently walked to the couch with her head down. The agony I saw in her face struck me, telling me I must be wrong. I finally pressed for an answer to figure out what I didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s happened since we last spoke. Is Joe with Antonio? I guess he¡¯s putting the pressure on you if so.¡±


    Sally sat next to me and picked up the check again.


    ¡°Do you really mean that you¡¯ll loan me this money?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t write it out as a joke. The only other requirement is I get a part of your company. You decide how much.¡±


    That news baffled her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want control of the company?¡± Her shock forced a grin from me, and I chuckled at the idea.


    ¡°Hell no, I don¡¯t want to work. I¡¯m assuming you¡¯ll be profitable. I just need the cover. I¡¯m sure repercussions at home are waiting for me since I wrote such a large amount. In reality, it¡¯s my wife¡¯s fortune. Despite the rumors, I don¡¯t really want her money.¡±


    She nodded, a grim expression coming to her face. Sally remained quiet, obviously considering the offer. However, she looked ready to explode. After taking a deep breath, she looked up at the ceiling, almost like she said a silent prayer.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll tell you everything, Lane Dagger. You¡¯re going to see how weak and stupid I¡¯ve been. It¡¯s not pretty and I hope you don¡¯t change your mind.¡±


    It took a while to get the entire story since Sally nearly broke down several times as she relived the nightmare. While I wasn¡¯t shocked at the gangster¡¯s methods, the heartless way he took everything she held dear made me rage inside for Sally. Staring at the petite woman, the strength she showed me could only amaze me. So much pain and degradation in her experience last night, yet she calmly explained it all in a detached voice. Growing angry just listening, I surprised myself by promising that she would get revenge.


    Yeah, it sounded stupid when I said it, but I still thought my plan would work. Only now, it became more of a retaliation item for her to hold on to.


    The woman looked up at me as I stood and started slowly pacing the floor in front of her. As I think about the situation, my fingers clench together, making a fist. I¡¯m feeling a rage surge inside of me and I wanted revenge for her. At this point, Antonio was close second to Miss Wonderful for those that I wanted to see die painfully.


    Sally¡¯s voice broke when she finished her story, interrupting my thoughts. I saw the flood of emotions in her eyes when I looked down at her. Placing my hand on her head softly, I noticed her expression reminded me of the vulnerability that I saw on Adele¡¯s face our first morning together.


    ¡°Alright, you go get some rest. You¡¯re shot right now.¡± I looked at my watch, still getting used to it hanging on my wrist.


    Thoughts spinning in my head, I realized I needed to change my original idea. Originally, I would walk away after handing over the check. Now, I knew she couldn¡¯t go alone on this. It was like sending a scuba diver down after putting chum in the water. Unfortunately, the alterations required my personal involvement. I took a deep breath.


    ¡°Antonio wants to meet you at noon. I don¡¯t have much time to organize things. Meet me at my office at eleven with your largest purse. We¡¯ll go across the street to the bank to get the money. I¡¯m going to bring along some help as well.¡±


    Sally stood up, frightened but also showing me her strength again.


    ¡°We¡¯re really going to do this. What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°I need to make a few calls. I think my little black book will help us right now.¡±


    I grinned at her confusion.


    ¡°Get some rest and don¡¯t be late. We¡¯ll beat that bastard at his own game using money he doesn¡¯t think you have.¡±

 Chapter 20 The Blackmail of a Judge

    After leaving Sally¡¯s house, I drove to my office. While I¡¯m not happy about how I ended up helping the woman, I¡¯m reminded of a movie where the mob protagonist complains about trying to get away, but they keep pulling him back into the middle of everything.


    ¡°Sure, I should walk away,¡± I said aloud to the noise inside the car. ¡°But I can¡¯t let that bastard just do that to someone who asked for my help, could I?¡±


    Yeah, but now I can get killed. Me and my damn screwed up moral dilemmas!


    At the corner of 2nd Avenue and Main, I pulled up to the light and saw a kid who¡¯s selling newspapers. As I listened to the husky boy¡¯s banter with the people walking by, I can see that he¡¯s a natural salesman. He also seems to know everyone by name. By the looks of him, I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s a young teenager. His long strawberry blonde hair keeps falling on his face while freckles filled his broad face.


    As I watched him, I remembered a Sherlock Holmes story about how he used kids to get information.


    That¡¯s right, the Baker Street Irregulars!


    I checked my watch, then pulled over to the first open parking stall before I walked over for a newspaper.


    ¡°How much?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, the price hasn¡¯t changed since the last time you asked me.¡± He rolls his eyes.


    Ok, another person who I¡¯ve asked repeatedly. What the hell does it mean?


    I pull out a quarter from my pocket. Along with a paper, he gives me twenty cents back from a coin dispenser attached to the belt around his waist.


    ¡°What¡¯s the good news in this paper today?¡±


    He cocked his head at me curiously and told me about a war in Europe. I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s doing that since I¡¯m scanning the headline on the front page of the Stull Junction Sentinel. Sure enough, there¡¯s a dictator named Adolph Hitler who sent Germans into France and another article about the French abandoning Paris. I¡¯m suddenly aware that the timeline in this place seemed to follow the history of a world I know. The idea makes me frown.


    Seriously, are we talking that I¡¯m in an alternate dimension now?


    The kid¡¯s sudden mention of Freddie Antonio broke me from out of my thoughts. I¡¯d seen his name in the little black book. According to my information, Antonio ran the largest gambling house and brothels in the city. According to the book, he also had plenty of cops on the take.


    ¡°Say, I think I missed that comment on Antonio. What was that about again?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll bet you know him, right Mr. Dagger? Yeah, I said that there¡¯s an article about his boys trying to open up a racetrack outside of town.¡±


    The kid lowered his voice and glanced around, ensuring no one listened in to our conversation.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t hear it from me, but he¡¯s already got two of the county commissioners in his pocket,¡± he winked at me.


    ¡°How much did he get them for?¡± I joked, disbelieving the news.


    ¡°Ten thousand a piece is the going rate for bribes to the local politicians,¡± the kid confidently claimed.


    I glanced at him in his torn jeans and worn shirt. My college professor told me once that information can come from unlikely sources. I can still hear his reedy voice reminding me to check sources. He was an old-school reporter who played pretty fair with the students.


    ¡°Say, have you ever heard of the Baker Street Irregulars?¡± I asked.


    The boy looked over and shrugged.


    ¡°Are they a local gang?¡±


    I grinned and told him no. Apparently, Sherlock Holmes wasn¡¯t required reading.


    ¡°Tell me, are you confident in your sources for getting information about the big shots in town?¡±


    He gave me a big smile.


    ¡°Mister Dagger, there¡¯s a reason I work this street corner.¡±


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    I looked around, but I didn¡¯t notice anything to give me a clue.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I finally asked.


    ¡°Only a fool would tell a shamus a secret.¡± He quit smiling.


    Smart kid!


    ¡°How about a partnership? What¡¯s your name?¡± I redirected the conversation.


    His gray eyes narrowed, but he gave me his name.


    ¡°I¡¯m on the level,¡± I assured Jeffrey. ¡°You know where my office is located?¡±


    ¡°Sure, it¡¯s in the Royal Building with a lot of other fly-by-night businesses,¡± he replied.


    I didn¡¯t like the implications of his observation, but I shrugged, knowing that Lane was a shady bastard.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what. I¡¯m in need of information. If you can collect the local stuff, that¡¯s important. I¡¯m willing to pay you for it. How does that sound?¡±


    The kid¡¯s face changed to disinterest.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. You¡¯ve got a reputation, ya know. How much are you talking?¡±


    Like I thought, he¡¯s a good salesman.


    After some back and forth, he finally agreed to my terms. Each day, unless something important came up in the afternoon, Jeffrey Conner would go to my office to drop off my newspaper and report his latest information to Alice.


    ¡°Say, if I get what you¡¯re wanting from my friends, are you willing to pay extra?


    I rolled my eyes as I turned away.


    ¡°One step at a time,¡± I told him.


    Now, I wasn¡¯t sure that the kid would see Alice, so I told him to let me know if she wasn¡¯t in the office when he dropped off the paper. Of course, I also told the kid that he had my permission to sell his papers to those in the building. I figured the owner wouldn¡¯t say anything. After all, it¡¯s a kid selling papers.


    When I got to my office, I¡¯d already forgotten about my new partnership. I couldn¡¯t expect much, and I still wanted out of the detective business. Plus, I had more immediate concerns milling around my brain.


    While I acted pretty brave in front of Sally, the idea of going against Antonio and his group made me reassess my sanity several times. I carried some confidence that I knew Antonio¡¯s weak spot, but I didn¡¯t know how I would exploit that weakness. The blowback for what I planned to do might turn terrible, like I¡¯m in an unmarked grave bad. Still, Adele¡¯s search for a trip out of Stull Junction came at the right time. It would allow me to get her out of harm¡¯s way.


    But I¡¯m still stuck here because of the bitch in my head.


    Taking a deep breath, I decided to focus on the immediate problem. First, I needed to call in a favor from someone powerful that Lane wrote about in his book. Plus, I wanted another person or two in our group when Sally met Antonio.


    More witnesses, the better to keep the gangster from doing anything crazy during the meeting. I couldn¡¯t dismiss the thought that walking into the club could mean death, but I decided the odds were low. No doubt, there will be ramifications for Sally and Joe. That gangster already planned on using her as his sex slave for a slap in the face. I can imagine he¡¯ll have even worse thoughts when we finish this transaction. That meant the couple needed to leave Stull Junction today. While I didn¡¯t mention that to Sally, I figured she was smart enough to realize what needed to be done.


    At the office, I said hello to Alice and entered my office. I immediately noticed a typed paper in the middle of my desk. My heart fell as I read the list of potential cases waiting for me to work on.


    I scowled at the list, then wadded up the paper and threw it into the wastebasket.


    ¡°Ah, freedom,¡± I mumbled.


    My invisible secretary answered on the box after I flipped the switch. First, I asked her to get two train tickets on the first train out of town at two o¡¯clock this afternoon. I asked her to call Judge J. Samuel Seabury, another name in the little black book. A few minutes later, my phone rang, and I spoke to someone at the judge¡¯s home. After a bit of persuasion, I heard the gravelly voice of Judge Seabury.


    ¡°Judge, I have a favor to ask. I need a couple of hours of your time during lunch today.¡±


    As the magistrate rejected the request, I interrupted him by reading a few lines directly from the book. The two lines revealed names, dates and locations.


    ¡°Seabury, I won¡¯t go into details to avoid your embarrassment over the phone. However, I came into the possession of a strip of photographic negatives showing your picture, along with a female person you met with at the Hotel Zur Oper earlier this year. Does that ring a bell?¡±


    The deafening silence told me I got his attention. Everyone knew the judge as the pillar of virtue and honesty in Stull Junction. Lane¡¯s notes revealed that the man¡¯s public honor meant more than life to him. I decided to play my information as an insurance chip.


    ¡°How much?¡± His voice came across like a hoarse whisper.


    ¡°Oh, that would be wrong, plus illegal,¡± I replied coolly, enjoying the momentary feeling of power. ¡°I simply want you to witness two parties exchanging money for a gambling IOU. I¡¯m confident a shyster lawyer will be there for the other side. There¡¯s a lot of money involved, and I don¡¯t want my client to have issues. In essence, you¡¯ll be the judge and witness to the settling of a debt. When we¡¯re finished, I¡¯ll give you the celluloid negatives.¡±


    I heard the man let out a breath.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, nothing else? No other copies?¡±


    ¡°Nope, nothing else. Despite my sordid reputation, I¡¯m a pretty honest guy. I stumbled across this film, so I do not need to keep it for anything beyond this favor for my client. She¡¯s a lovely woman that dirty son of a bitch abused by using her husband. So, think of it as if you¡¯re fighting for the good guys. Do we have a deal?¡±


    I waited, half expecting this bit of blackmail to blow up in my face. Then the judge agreed.


    ¡°Great, I¡¯ll meet you in front of the Community Trust building at eleven thirty and we¡¯ll take a cab to our lunch meeting. Oh, if you have someone you want to come along with you, please invite that person. I want you to feel comfortable that this affair is on the up and up.¡±


    After I hung up, I heard Alice moving around the outer office before the intercom buzzed.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, I¡¯ve arranged two tickets in your name for two forty-five this afternoon,¡± she said. ¡°Since you didn¡¯t ask, I picked the train heading to Sacramento.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the best, Alice. I¡¯d give you a hug if I could see you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you will, Mr. Dagger,¡± her reply threw me for a loop.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± The intercom snapped off before I got the question out.


    ¡°Christ, can we make anything else screwier?¡± I said aloud. For a moment, I thought I heard a giggle in the other room.

 Chapter 21 What’s a Gat?

    When eleven o¡¯clock rolled around, I stood at my desk. The negatives that the judge wanted were inside a locked drawer and I had already put them into an envelope which sat on the desktop. After putting on my leather holster, I pulled out the .45 inside the desk, then removed the filled clip. Pulling back on the slide, I inspected the gun for an empty chamber and cleanliness like I was taught, then let the slide release before sliding the clip back into the handle. I noticed my hand shook, and I sat in the chair.


    After I shoved the gun into the holster and heard the door to my office open. Sally stood there, staring at the gun holster wrapped under my arm.


    ¡°You¡¯re expecting that kind of trouble,¡± she said. Her flat tone revealed disapproval, but she didn¡¯t try to argue against the idea.


    I shook my head, embarrassed that I acted like a damn TV character, hiding the fact that I¡¯m afraid.


    ¡°No, but I¡¯m not taking chances.¡±


    Of course, I realized I was talking shit. The last time I shot a gun was years ago. I doubt I can pull out this thing quick enough to stop anything that¡¯s going down. After all, the thugs with Antonio probably have plenty of nasty stories about killing people. But I¡¯m thinking the .45 is better than carrying nothing at all.


    ¡°Lane, you¡¯re putting yourself in danger.¡± She closed the door and went to the desk. ¡°That bastard isn¡¯t going to forget what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± I deflected while putting on my suit coat. ¡°He¡¯s after you, not me, at least not yet.¡±


    She paused with a grimace on her face, then she finally told me.


    ¡°I decided that I¡¯m leaving town with Joe. I¡¯ve already packed since I couldn¡¯t rest. We¡¯re going to a place where he can get help.¡±


    ¡°That sounds permanent. What about your company?¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving permanently. It¡¯s just for a little while, I hope. I¡ªwell, he¡¯ll need someone with him,¡± she explained. ¡°However, I don¡¯t know when I can come back...¡± she paused, leaving the idea open. I understood what she meant.


    At least she¡¯s smart enough to see that she needed to keep her head down once we¡¯re done with Antonio.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got good people to run the place, so it¡¯ll be fine. Oh, that reminds me, you and Joe can pick up tickets under my name at the station for the two forty-five train,¡± I said. ¡°Alice says it goes to Sacramento.¡±


    It was her turn to be surprised.


    ¡°What, you planned this already?¡± Sally asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m good at planning. Anyway, I think you¡¯ll return here soon enough. I have an idea that will keep Antonio too busy to worry about either of us.¡±


    Now, what I told her wasn¡¯t a complete lie. I did have an idea, but I still lacked the ability to put the thing into motion. Hell, I wasn¡¯t even sure if I would have time. In a few hours, I expected I needed eyes in the back of my head while trying to leave town. Yeah, I¡¯m dumb enough to try it again. This time in public with plenty of people on a train.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to go get your money,¡± I stepped around the desk.


    Sally didn¡¯t move. Instead, she reached out, grabbing my arm.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t understand why you¡¯re doing this, since there¡¯s nothing in it for you. Don¡¯t you have a family to worry about?¡±


    When I turned to her, the woman suddenly wrapped her arms around me.


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    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to ask for your help. You¡¯re the only one I could turn to,¡± she said into my coat. Confusion and concern appeared on her lovely face when she looked up.


    I¡¯ll admit I didn¡¯t know what to do, so I grinned like an idiot and reassured her that all would end well. I also hoped that she didn¡¯t feel the shakes coming from me. I¡¯ll admit that the thought of meeting death wasn¡¯t high on my bucket list. Actually, it¡¯s not on the list.


    Deep down, her worry about my situation puzzled me. I also recognized that she was correct. Any sane person would put their family ahead of helping a stranger.


    Does that mean everything I told Adele is a lie?


    The image of Adele¡¯s horrified face when she saw my injury in the car came to mind. It left no doubt that she cared deeply for me.


    No, she feels deeply for Lane. I¡¯m just a guy borrowing his suits.


    However, I would not let her get hurt again. Antonio might consider Adele as my weakness. What would I do if he goes after her and I can¡¯t leave this town? I took a deep breath, deciding everyone was leaving, including me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go meet the judge,¡± I said.


    The world I used to live in carried a lot of restrictions. You¡¯ve seen all the signs on the windows like no smoking, no soliciting, and no weapons. Interestingly, in 1940, you don¡¯t see those signs. Trust me, I looked and there were no signs like that on the Community Bank when I walked with Sally to the cashier¡¯s window. I was carrying a .45 strapped to my chest, and I felt the sweat starting down my back. That feeling heightened when the clerk, a small man in a black suit, took the check to another office. Soon, he returned with an overweight man dressed in a similar black suit. We learned that the fat man was the president of the bank, Wallace Mellon.


    ¡°Mr. Lane, you need to give us more time for transactions like this.¡±


    I smiled and told him it was a last-minute business decision.


    ¡°I¡¯m buying into Mrs. Vaugh¡¯s company.¡± I turned to Sally, who returned a nervous smile.


    ¡°Well, there be a problem?¡± she asked with obvious concern.


    Her question flustered Wallace, eyeing me closely before a fake smile came to his lips when he looked back at Sally.


    ¡°It will not be a problem for our bank,¡± he assured her. ¡°Just give us a few minutes. Can you come to my office? It¡¯s less public this way.¡±


    We left the bank a few minutes before I expected the judge to arrive. As we stood on the corner of the street, both of us were self-conscious about the amount of money in the woman¡¯s purse. When Sally asked about the person we waited for, I got her up to speed.


    ¡°I thought we needed a public figure that Antonio will think twice about harming. So, I invited Judge J. Samuel Seabury to join us. I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯ll bring anyone else, but I offered him the opportunity.¡±


    Sally stared at me like I suddenly grew another nose.


    ¡°How did you do that? Are you his friend?¡±


    I shrugged, appearing nonchalant about it.


    ¡°I¡¯m not friends with anyone, but I have my methods.¡± For just a moment, it felt good to act as the hero with a plan.


    A moment later, a cab pulled up and out of the back stepped a large man in a blue pinstripe suit. His long face and enormous nose reminded me of a walrus without the tusks.


    ¡°Get in, Judge Seabury is waiting,¡± the man¡¯s eyes danced looking at Sally.


    Well, that¡¯s not unexpected, I guess. Sally and I glanced at each other before we got into the cab. The man introduced himself after giving instructions to the driver to drive around for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯m Shane O¡¯Conner,¡± he said. ¡°Seabury called me to tag along on your little adventure.¡±


    ¡°I take it you¡¯re his bodyguard,¡± I surmised aloud. While I told the judge to bring along someone, I fumed for failing to realize that an important person like Judge Seabury wasn¡¯t going to walk into something blind. His bodyguard would assess things first.


    Shane nodded at my observation while he continued to look over Sally. I understood the reason, but I wanted him to focus on the coming problem. I asked where the judge was, but Shane ignored the question.


    ¡°I see you¡¯re carrying, so give me the scoop about what the judge is walking into,¡± O¡¯Conner¡¯s tone clarified that he might veto my idea.


    Guessing the bodyguard might be an ex-cop, I leveled with Shane. I laid out the basics, including some of the raw deal Antonio forced on Sally. It never hurts to use a guy¡¯s natural instinct to protect a pretty woman, I thought cynically. You can call me sexist if you want, but that¡¯s reality folks. As expected, my guess was accurate.


    ¡°I¡¯m still waiting for the guy to plug Antonio one of these days. That bas..,¡± he caught himself and reddened. ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am. I had my dealings with that rat back when I walked the beat.¡±


    O¡¯Conner turned to me.


    ¡°You¡¯re not too smart by going to his place, you know.¡±


    ¡°We have no choice,¡± I replied. ¡°He made the terms with Sally by using her husband as bait. I¡¯m just going to stop him from collecting. That¡¯s why we need someone like the judge.¡±


    The ex-cop leaned back and thought about it for a moment. Eventually, a grin broke on his flabby face.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this. I¡¯m happy to surprise that no good vermin.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression darkened as he issued a warning.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get stupid when we get there and don¡¯t pull that gat unless I¡¯ve got mine out. Otherwise, I might shoot you to keep Seabury safe.¡±


    What¡¯s a gat?

 Chapter 22 Pissing Off a Gangster

    I nodded automatically after figuring out he meant the gun I carried. Anyway, I was happy to let him lead on that part. Shane continued talking.


    ¡°I guess that you already know that you¡¯re making a dangerous enemy. I certainly don¡¯t want to be in your shoes after this.¡±


    He leaned forward while Sally reached over and squeezed my arm.


    ¡°Joe, take us to the park.¡±


    I glanced at her pale face and shook my head. My forced grin tried to reassure her. However, I recognized something else that O¡¯Conner inadvertently told me by his observation. Antonio might let some of those in the cab leave to reduced witnesses. That scenario meant the judge and his bodyguard held no obligation to assist anyone forced to stay once Sally paid the money.


    I should really think things through better. I frowned as my thoughts screamed at me.


    The cab stopped in front of a bench where Judge Seabury talked with a group of small children. The elderly gentleman carried an air of authority. He wore horn-rimmed glasses and a bowler hat. His jacket lay over one leg as he intently listened to a young girl. When she finished, the man smiled and patted her head as he rose from his seat.


    As I watched the scene from the cab, I couldn¡¯t help but laugh inside when I thought about the young woman in the photo negatives I had in my pocket. Yet, this man wanted to keep his air of respectability. The thought led me to my cynical nature again.


    At the end of the day, I think that everyone¡¯s a hypocrite.


    O¡¯Conner stepped out of the cab, nodding to the judge, who came over to the car. The ex-cop took the front seat while the judge sat next to Sally. He smiled at her and tipped his hat as he introduced himself. The woman gave her name and thanked him for his help. The judge glanced at me before responding as the cab headed for our destination.


    ¡°Mrs. Vaugh, I wasn¡¯t told that you were the person involved. However, I am a regular reader of your magazine, so I¡¯m glad to help.¡±


    He turned to Lane.


    ¡°Who is the other party?¡±


    ¡°Freddie Antonio. We¡¯re heading to Rosetta¡¯s,¡± I replied.


    The judge did a good job of hiding his surprise. Then again, in my opinion, all lawyers are as honest as a used car salesman.


    ¡°Into the den of the lion, as they say,¡± Seabury replied.


    His response amused me. I liked his feigned calm, although I¡¯m sure he knew that his position appeared far safer than those sitting in the same seat.


    ¡°Tell me, my dear, did Mr. Dagger talk you into this scheme?¡± he asked Sally.


    The woman nodded.


    ¡°Today I need to pay the money. I don¡¯t have another option unless I plan on becoming one of his...associates.¡±


    I noticed the judge blink twice at her statement. Her deadpan declaration along with the underlying hostility behind it made his gaze hardened with understanding. He looked out the front windshield with a frown. A few minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of the club. A couple of vehicles sat near the entrance, but the place was quiet. O¡¯Conner told the cabbie to pull near the entrance, then paid the man five dollars to remain there until we returned.


    Sally slid out of the cab, and I noticed her hands shaking. Not that I could blame her, since the butterflies bounced around my stomach when I started toward the door. The judge and O¡¯Conner stood next to Sally when I glanced back.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m leading the charge.


    Well, it is your stupid idea, I told myself.


    The place carried an art d¨¦co look on the outside, with white stucco walls and rounded columns stretching up to the roof. The front door was a mix of glass and chrome with rounded handles.


    As I opened the front door, a cool blast of air struck my face. The breeze made me think it was the second building I noticed that had air conditioning.


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    I just hope the next building isn¡¯t the morgue.


    One of Antonio¡¯s goons came toward me as I pushed past a red velvet curtain that covered the opening between two columns that looked like those outside the door. The darkness inside the club prevented me from seeing him until the last minute.


    ¡°We¡¯re closed!¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± I responded, then moved aside for Sally to step past me.


    The thug¡¯s eyes narrowed when he noticed the other two men behind her.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± he grunted.


    We walked across the red and gold carpet, passing the chrome tables and matching chairs. In the back of the large room, a long bar stood with shelves of bottles lining the back wall. A small stage sat on the left, next to double doors which appeared to lead into the kitchen area.


    As we got closer to the bar, I finally saw Freddie Antonio for the first time. He sat at the back of a horseshoe booth with red leather benches. On one side of him, a small man with the posture of a toad sat. I immediately recognized him from a campaign poster I saw on Main Street. Paul Hyde¡¯s eyes centered on Sally, then on the elderly judge who walked beside her. From my angle, I swore Hyde looked like that Peter Lorre guy I saw in the old movies with Karloff.


    Why am I seeing these dead actors?


    Hyde leaned over, whispering something to Antonio, who didn¡¯t react.


    For me, I walked outside of the group and slightly ahead. Stepping out of a hidden area behind the bar, the guy had the physique of a small gorilla. Apparently, someone recognized Lane Dagger because that thug man with a scarred face had his killer eyes focused on me. Forcing myself to smirk at the man, I kept telling myself to keep calm as I watched Sally. It¡¯s embarrassing to hide your shaking hands at a time like this.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Joe?¡± she asked Antonio, who eyed me and the judge.


    The gangster smirked, then knocked on the wall behind him and another goon came out of the darkness behind the bar with Joe in tow. Sally¡¯s husband had a small bottle of whiskey in his hand, along with a surprised expression. I doubted that he even understood what his wife had done for them. Joe nearly stumbled as he weaved his way next to Sally.


    ¡°Hun, it¡¯s not what you think,¡± he slurred his excuse.


    ¡°Quiet Joe, take a seat,¡± she replied, not looking at him. Her eyes remained on Antonio.


    As for the owner of the club, his smirk hardened. From my vantage point, I wanted him to be confused. However, the look he gave Sally showed he understood the reason for Judge Seabury¡¯s presence.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re ready to complete the paperwork,¡± Antonio told Sally as he took control. ¡°We¡¯ll soon be close partners. Your friends aren¡¯t needed for that.¡±


    The woman¡¯s vicious glare at Antonio made him smile. Sally pulled her purse off her shoulder, then opened it. She dumped the stacks of money on the table.


    ¡°Twenty thousand for Joe¡¯s debt IOUs. I want them in my hands now.¡±


    The gangster¡¯s face eyes narrowed, and his mouth twitched at her actions before he quickly recovered.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that doesn¡¯t cover the interest. I¡¯m...¡±


    ¡°Antonio let¡¯s see those notes you have on her husband,¡± Seabury spoke up and stood next to the woman. ¡°My client says today is the deadline. I¡¯m the lawyer you don¡¯t want involved in this affair if you¡¯re trying to coerce this young lady. The district attorney is not your friend, as I recall.¡±


    The man in the booth stiffened at the judge¡¯s power move. He nodded to the toad man next to him. Antonio¡¯s lawyer produced several pieces of paper, which he handed to the judge. For myself, I watched with newfound respect for Seabury. The man stood his ground despite the obvious threats inside the room.


    ¡°I see you need a better quality of legal counsel,¡± Seabury stated as he glanced over the documents. ¡°These wouldn¡¯t last an hour in an honest courtroom.¡±


    He gave a bitter smile to Antonio, and he put the papers into his jacket. Antonio¡¯s lawyer spoke out, asking for them back. His boss interrupted him.


    ¡°Shut up, Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°Now, we¡¯ll be taking our leave,¡± Seabury told Antonio. ¡°Come, Mrs. Vaugh.¡±


    O¡¯Conner kept his face to the table and slowly backed away as the judge turned around. Sally went to her husband, who sat at a table, leaning his arm on the top while trying to keep from falling asleep. Inside, I¡¯m feeling like I¡¯m on top of the world with how smoothly everything went. I started to leave when Antonio¡¯s sneering laugh, followed by my name, drifted over.


    ¡°Lane Dagger, you¡¯re the one who took a side today. That¡¯s not like you. I thought we had an understanding. Johnny¡¯s not happy, and you don¡¯t have a bodyguard.¡±


    Turning my head in Antonio¡¯s direction, I noticed his glance to the right. Following it, I found the hulking brute with the scarred face only two paces away. He closed on me while I focused on the conversation at the booth. I moved to put a table between us, but I was too late. His enormous fist struck my chest, helping to send me back against another table. My back hit the corner and for a second, I thought my spine snapped. Fortunately, the table slid across the carpet, sending me to my backside. The thug came over me close enough for me to kick out with my foot and I caught his knee cap. Johnny grunted, grabbing his knee as I staggered to stand.


    I caught sight of O¡¯Conner and Seabury watching the fight, but they continued toward the door. Sally had Joe¡¯s arm around her shoulder, not far behind the judge. Fear filled my mind, which finally grasped with the idea that I had no option but to fight my way out. So, I grabbed a chair just as Johnny got a hold on my shoulder. His fist caught me with a glancing blow to my cheek. Still, the shot made me catch a few stars. However, it wasn¡¯t enough to stop me when I whipped around with the chair. Catching the thug¡¯s shoulder, I heard a groan, then dropped the chair and hurried toward the others.


    Unfortunately, the goon who led us to the table stood in my way. By this time, I¡¯m getting winded, plus I¡¯m not going to win many fights with my bare hands. So, I grabbed another chair and charged the man in my way. The grin on his face should have clued me in. He sidestepped the chair and came in to hit me when the momentum of my swing passed him. His concrete fist caught me in the back of the head, sending me to the floor. I look up at the entrance just a few paces away and see my cohorts are already gone. I¡¯m happy and pissed off at the same time.


    ¡°Shit!¡±

 Chapter 23 You Really are a Fool, Mr. Dagger

    The next shot from the bastard above me lands on my lower back. The pain coursing through me really makes me believe that I¡¯ve got a broken spine as I tried to move. However, the goon picks me up with my collar and the back of my coat to send me flying over the table, face first into a couple of chairs. Of course, my survival mode kicked in while my brain sees that I¡¯m closer to the exit out of the building. I crawl on my hands and knees to the door when I see two sets of legs walk in front of me. I don¡¯t bother to glance up because I hear Antonio¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Shamus, you got away with your scheme this time, but someone is going to put a bullet in your brain soon. Just remember that nobody gets over on me.¡±


    The polished black leather shoe that struck my ribs I barely saw coming before the wind left my lungs. As I¡¯m gasping for air like a fish out of water, the goons working for Antonio lift me and escort me out of the doors. Next thing I see is the scenery passing by as I land like a rag doll on the sidewalk.


    Now, I¡¯m not sure how long I lay there. It can seem like days when you¡¯re struggling to breathe correctly. However, the next thing I see is a pretty face staring down at me like an angel. Her eyes are moist, and she reaches down to help me to my knees.


    ¡°You really are a fool, Mr. Dagger. And I thank you for it.¡±


    Of course, I said nothing. Hell, between the lack of breath and my body feeling like I broke several important bones, I just struggled to get on my feet. Sally guided me to the cab. She puts me next to a passed-out Joe who smells like a week of body odor and booze. I¡¯m checking if I still have all my teeth as the car sped away with Sally sitting in front next to the judge. They¡¯re talking as I notice O¡¯Conner grinning at me.


    ¡°You really know how to make Antonio mad. What agreement did you have with him?¡±


    Shaking my head, I had to think back to my black book, which was never clear.


    ¡°I guess he saw me as another pawn for his operation,¡± I mumbled out while softly touching the side of my jaw.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you credit for a slick scheme, but you realize how lucky you are to leave that building, don¡¯t you? When the judge asked for those IOUs, I wished I had a picture of Antonio¡¯s face.¡±


    Then O¡¯Conner turned serious.


    ¡°You should leave town for a while, maybe permanently.¡±


    I nodded at the suggestion, tenderly putting my hand into my coat pocket. Pulling out the envelope, then leaning forward with a slight groan, I tapped the paper on Judge Seabury¡¯s shoulder. He looked back and took the envelope as Sally looked on with curiosity.


    ¡°Judge, you impressed the hell out of me back there. Can you drop us off at my office building? We just need to get Sally and Joe on a train and my job is done.¡±


    I closed my eyes, not seeing Sally give me a long gaze. The judge slid his blackmail items into his coat while he peeked over at the woman sitting next to him. He sighed before turning back to observe the scenery in front of them.


    Antonio watched the cab drive away as he stood in the vestibule of Rosetta¡¯s. His face remained impassive despite the bloodlust filling him.


    ¡°Get the boys together,¡± he told his men, who stood near him. ¡°I want bitch brought to me alive.¡±


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    ¡°Boss, I need to leave,¡± Hyde replied nervously. ¡°The judge might say something to Winton.¡±


    ¡°Get lost,¡± the gangster sneered. He didn¡¯t look while his lawyer hurried to the back door.


    ¡°What about the others?¡± the thug called Johnny asked.


    ¡°I can¡¯t touch the judge or that ex-cop for the moment. I don¡¯t care what you do with the drunk. Just make sure the bitch comes back to me. Kill that shamus and make sure he dies painfully.¡±


    The cab stopped in front of the Royal Building where I got out and helped Sally get Joe out of the vehicle. The time to get to my office allowed me to recover enough to climb the curb with Joe¡¯s arm around my shoulders.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, we should have a conversation when you put this couple on the train,¡± Seabury spoke after getting out of the car. ¡°Call me when you can.¡±


    After I glanced back at the judge, I tried to grin, but my cheek still hurt.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do that. Thanks again for the help,¡± I said.


    Joe, somewhat more coherent, kept looking at me and asking my name. I ignored him, instead asking Sally to help me get him up the stairs and into the building. After we took the slow elevator, we finally got to the outer office.


    Sally held the door, and we went straight to my office. I let go of Joe and pointed to the couch. Heading for my desk, I opened a bottom drawer, which looked like a medicine cabinet. It held an odd array of cotton bandages, along with bottles of rubbing alcohol, camphor, even a tin of Blosser¡¯s Medical Powder. Several medicine bottles with various pills rolled around as I rummaged through for aspirin. A few days back, I wondered why the stuff was there when I took an inventory of the desk.


    I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s not the first time Lane Dagger got his ass kicked.


    I grimaced after swallowing the aspirin, then walked over to the mirror to inspect my face.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to win any beauty contest,¡± Sally¡¯s voice came from the couch where she sat next to her husband.


    I nodded in agreement. The blue bulge on my cheek still hurt, and there was a trickle of dried blood on my chin.


    ¡°Well, we need to get to your place and pick up your luggage, then head to the train station. I wish I had thought about having you come with it earlier.¡± I lifted my arm, looking over the suit coat at the elbow where the fabric ripped from my fall on the sidewalk.


    ¡°I can¡¯t keep ripping up my suits like this,¡± I smirked. ¡°Can you handle Joe to get him on the train?¡±


    Looking down at her, it was clear from her faraway expression that the woman didn¡¯t hear me. I went to my desk and flipped the switch.


    ¡°Alice, are you there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what can I do?¡± For a moment, it sounded like I heard concern in her voice.


    ¡°I believe Antonio might send his men this way. I want you to be careful and only leave this place with...¡±


    I stopped, realizing that I¡¯m talking to an invisible woman about someone coming after her.


    Yes, I¡¯ve lost my mind!


    Still, it appeared everyone else saw her, and she¡¯s working for me. I released the switch, then looked over at the couch. Joe nervously tapped his fingers on one arm of the sofa while staring at the empty bottle that he carried from the club. His wife looked at me, but I couldn¡¯t get a read on her thoughts. However, her presence reminded me to call Adele. I picked up the phone and called the number to our apartment. However, no one answered.


    Crap, where¡¯d she go?


    ¡°She¡¯s pretty,¡± Sally¡¯s voice made me look over. My face scowled in confusion as I stood with the handset still placed by my ear.


    ¡°Your secretary,¡± she said when she realized I didn¡¯t understand. ¡°I¡¯m glad you warned her about Antonio.¡±


    So, others see her! What does that mean?


    All I could do was nod in agreement, trying to keep my focus on the current problems. I didn¡¯t need to think about that issue.


    ¡°Is he ready?¡± I asked Sally as I hung up the handset. ¡°My car¡¯s downstairs.¡±


    She looked at her husband, then nodded.


    ¡°Yes. Come on Joe, let¡¯s go home. Lane¡¯s going to drive us.¡±


    His vacant stare vanished as he looked at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. They picked me up and gave me a drink. I lost track of the time. You¡¯re not mad, are you?¡±


    The woman sighed and stood.


    ¡°No, now let¡¯s head home. We¡¯re going on a vacation, and I¡¯ve already packed.¡±


    He smiled as he took her hand.


    ¡°I remember. It¡¯ll be like old times. We used to go camping many times when we first met. Do you remember?¡±


    While Sally agreed as she held on to her husband¡¯s arm. I watched them walk to the door.


    Get a grip. I can¡¯t start feeling sorry for a character that I don¡¯t know.


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 Chapter 24 Unexpected Hero

    After I limped to the car alone while keeping an eye out for Antonio¡¯s men, I waited for a minute, then waved for the couple to follow. While I could only recognize a few of the thugs, I figured I was like the canary in the coalmine. No one appeared interested in us, letting me release my breath as the couple joined me.


    I took the path to the Vaugh¡¯s house as the couple sat next to me in the front seat. My constant glances in the rearview mirrors revealed no cars appeared to follow. Just to be safe, I took a quick turn down an alley, then another turn to get me on the route again. After several more turns that nearly got me lost, I finally found the path to Sally and Joe¡¯s home.


    We reached their house about fifteen minutes later. Joe and Sally went inside while I waited. My mind kept wondering about my next steps, including the need to get Adele away from danger. Yeah, I realized this problem before I stuck my big nose into Sally¡¯s problem. But now that I was in the middle of the mess, my danger sense was on full overload. Obviously, my wife was a weak point for the gangster to exploit. I suddenly thought of the frequent calls to the apartment. While the caller kept hanging up when I answered, I remained confident it was Lloyd Childress. Nothing in my notebook showed Antonio knew much about Adele, so I believed I had some time to work with. After all, it¡¯s hard to spring it on someone that you have a gangster pissed off at you and he wants your head for a display.


    As for Childress, Adele mentioned she spoke with him. From our conversation, I got a hint that her lawyer continued his efforts to persuade her to continue the divorce. I realized I needed to remove Childress from his petty agitation of Adele.


    Getting her on a train tonight will fix that problem, at least for the time being, I thought.


    Looking at my watch, I realized the Vaugh¡¯s were taking too long, so I got out of the car and went to the front door. I knocked, then opened the door. I spotted a suitcase near the fireplace and went over to retrieve it. Just as I got there, Sally reached the top of the stairs.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Joe suddenly got sick. He¡¯s in the bathroom. I need to get him something to eat.¡±


    Her expression surprised me. She appeared to a point of tired resignation, not concern. Then again, I suppose Sally was running on nerves herself.


    ¡°Let¡¯s skip that and get food at the station,¡± I said as I looked at my watch. ¡°I don¡¯t...¡±


    The sound of a car skidding to a stop reached us through the open front door.


    Shit!


    As I wrestled my gun from the holster inside my jacket, I hurried to the front window. Sally was on my heels. We saw three men get out of the black car parked next to mine.


    ¡°Get Joe and let¡¯s head out the back,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°No, you go downstairs,¡± she replied and went to the front door.


    I watched her lock and bolt the wood door, then I glanced outside. The men were pulling weapons from under their coats.


    Holy crap!


    I ran to the door and grabbed Sally¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Get the hell away from the door!¡± I growled while pulling her with me to the middle of the room.


    A thump came from the door before a crash sounded at the window. Both of us crouched as a shot echoed in the room. I shot at the arm holding a revolver through the front window. The bullet struck the window frame, and I ordered Sally to the stairs.


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    ¡°Get Joe and get out of here!¡±


    As she crawled away, the front door burst open. I squeezed the trigger, and my shot went into the door. The thug fired twice as he dived out of the way. One of his bullets hit the couch in front of me while the other struck the fireplace, sending a ricochet out the nearby window. Suddenly, a shotgun went off behind me. I looked over, shocked to see Joe holding the shotgun he tried to kill himself with. His pale face was lit up with joy, even though his shot missed the target. Hiding behind the fireplace, Sally frantically called out for Joe to join her.


    Seeing an opportunity, I aimed my sights at the exposed thigh of the goon crouched by the console near the front door. My shot struck him this time, and I heard a yelp as he rolled away. However, the thug¡¯s partner opened up again as he stepped into the doorway. His shot barely missed my head, but the bullet struck a glass figurine sitting on the side table. The shattered display showered me in shards of broken glass. I hurriedly fired back, despite the pain on the side of my face, then abandoned my position. While I scurried to hide behind the fireplace, another shotgun blast from Joe sent Antonio¡¯s revolver man limping back outside.


    When I arrived near the stairs, Sally finally got Joe to join her behind the stone fa?ade. Asking for a back route out of the house, Sally pointed to the stairs. Joe came up behind her. His expression remained elated, which I didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°You two head down. I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡±


    I shot toward the door as the couple headed down the stairs. When I pulled away from the fireplace, a bullet slammed into the stone where I just stood, curtesy of the thug I wounded earlier.


    Damn, this really sucks!


    My delusional thoughts crept into my mind at strange intervals, insisting this dimension wasn¡¯t real. I think it came from a need to cope with the nearness of death. But I knew better. The pain from the shards of glass in my face and the aches of my muscles from the battering I took earlier were enough to convince anyone.


    At the bottom, I looked both ways down the long hallway, but the couple was out of sight. Not sure which way to go, I guessed the opposite direction of the bedrooms. Sure enough, when I reached the end of the hallway, it went left, and I followed it to stairs leading back up. When I reached the top, I pushed open the door to find myself in a vestibule. A short hallway led into a kitchen and bar area, while the other side showed me Sally standing by a door. She waved me over.


    ¡°Some the place you have,¡± I told her when I arrived. ¡°Where¡¯s Joe?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in the garage, opening the door. We¡¯ll take my car and escape that way.¡±


    I nodded, more than a little impressed in her and Joe¡¯s calmness to the danger, while I kept hoping I would wake up in my old apartment after this crazy dream. Sally opened the door, and I followed her out into an open patio area at the back of the house. Surrounded on one side by the hill and on the other by tall bushes, the courtyard path led to another building. We made our way inside, where Joe waited. Sally went to him as he stood by the garage door.


    ¡°Get in the car and start it up,¡± he told us. ¡°I¡¯ll open the door and get on the sideboard as we leave. My shotgun will do a better job of holding them off.¡±


    Sally hurried to the driver¡¯s side and started the vehicle. I got in the back seat, rolling down the window. Joe looked at his wife, calmly smiling, as he lifted the door. Sally pressed the gas pedal after lifting the clutch and the car shot forward, sending me back into the seat.


    Joe ran with the vehicle for a couple of steps, but he didn¡¯t see the third goon step out of the bushes along the drive. Antonio¡¯s man let loose with several shots which struck Joe in the chest. Joe staggered, pointing his barrel at the man, and pulled the trigger. The thug¡¯s chest exploded from the blast of pellets.


    Sally screamed for Joe, hitting the brakes while I struggled to open the back door to get out. As soon as I got the door open, a shot struck the front windshield of Sally¡¯s car. I kneeled next to Joe, whose eyes remained open in death; his mouth held a slight smile. Instantly, I ran back to the car and jumped in.


    ¡°Go, he¡¯s dead. Move or we die!¡± I yelled.


    She didn¡¯t move, still staring at Joe¡¯s body. Then, another shot struck the front windshield, and she reacted by popping the clutch and nearly killed the car¡¯s engine. I yelled at her again, then shot at the revolver man trying to hide at the edge of the house. Finally, Sally gunned the engine and the large car gained speed. As we came around the house, I had my .45 ready. When we passed the goon with the revolver, I was only a few paces away when my finger pulled the trigger. The bullet struck him in the middle of his belly.

 Chapter 25 The Hero Instinct

    At the bottom of the hill, I told Sally to turn down a back road that I remembered led back into Stull Junction. It was a longer route, but less traffic. I figured her car looked like Swiss cheese at this point. The woman said nothing as her mechanical movements explained to me; she was close to the edge.


    You¡¯ve gone through hell and back, lady!


    I leaned forward with my arms resting on the back of the front seat. I did not know what to say, so I just gave her directions to my apartment. I deliberately kept my voice calm, hoping to reassure her. But I¡¯m not sure she even heard me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll drop your car off a block away and walk to my place. You and Adele are taking the train out of town.¡±


    Sally barely heard Lane¡¯s voice. Even the road noise along with the engine¡¯s hum failed to register as she remained numb. Her mind barely understood her destination. Only the calm voice coming from behind her gave the woman something to steady her raw nerves. Each turn along familiar streets reminded her of an instance of time when she and Joe happily drove along to a destination. Steeling herself, Sally forced the surging emotions away. Instead, she felt an overwhelming need for sleep coming to her. The urge to stop the car, then lay down and cover her head to welcome the blackness, became nearly overwhelming.


    ¡°Sally! Pull over there,¡± the voice broke through her scrambled brain.


    She glanced over at the pointing hand and turned the wheel.


    ¡°Yeah, pull behind that truck,¡± I told her. ¡°You can see the building from here.¡±


    Sally and I arrived at the apartment a few minutes later. From the look on the doorman¡¯s face, I knew I looked like shit. Blood on the side of your face will get that reaction from folks. Sally¡¯s robotic movements didn¡¯t help.


    ¡°An accident,¡± I explained to the man in the green uniform as I led Sally to the elevator.


    When I got the front door to the apartment open, Adele came out of the kitchen. She saw Sally and her confused expression immediately turned to shock when she saw me.


    ¡°Honey, what happened? How bad are you injured?¡±


    She rushed toward me, and the concern made me self-conscious.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± I assured her as she hugged me.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got problems.¡± I started toward the hallway, then remembered Sally.


    I introduced them, but Sally gave Adele a vacant look. Adele looked at her, then at me as I grappled with how to explain, then finally blurted it out.


    ¡°Antonio¡¯s thugs caught us at her house. Her husband is dead.¡±


    That¡¯s when Sally broke down.


    ~~~


    It took a while for Sally to calm down. After Adele got a drink for Sally, she sat with her in the dining room while I explained the situation.


    ¡°If they catch Sally, they¡¯ll take her to Antonio. I¡¯m on the hit list, so I need you to leave town.¡±


    Adele stared at me, and I saw the bitterness in her eyes. I nodded and took a deep breath.


    ¡°I know!¡±


    I should have walked away from this like you wanted!


    I went to the bathroom; hearing Sally say something to Adele, but I couldn¡¯t hear most of it.


    While I looked over my injuries in the bathroom, I noticed a trail of dried blood on the side of my face. After pulling off my hat, I carefully pulled out a sliver of glass that remained in the skin.


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    ¡°No wonder the doorman looked at me like that,¡± I mumbled to myself.


    I cleaned off the worst of the sweat and blood from my face, then looked at my ragged suit. I slid out of my jacket while heading into the bedroom. I looked in the closet for another suit and I wasn¡¯t worried about how well it fit me.


    A few minutes later, I¡¯ve got pants and a new jacket on as I walked out of the bedroom. Remembering the box of .45 shells in the library, I walked into the room and pulled them from the drawer. After refilling the magazine in the pistol, I put the box into my lower jacket pocket.


    Now, just to get Adele and Sally out of this city.


    I went back into the dining room, where Sally sat alone. She looked at me with red, tired eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± I started, then I ran my fingers through my hair.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to say,¡± she said. ¡°Joe saved me. All I can do is grieve and pray that I can find some way to pay back Antonio.¡±


    Sally dropped her head, realizing the impossible idea. However, I didn¡¯t forget that weakness that Antonio had. But it would wait for later.


    I felt Adele¡¯s hand come around my waist, surprising me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I told her.


    ¡°I know you are. She explained some of what you went through while you were cleaning up in the bathroom.¡± Adele put her forehead between my shoulders. ¡°We can talk later, but tell me what you are planning now.¡±


    I turned around and hugged her. Sally observed us, then took another drink from the tumbler in her hand.


    ¡°I already have tickets for Sacramento waiting at the station.¡± I pulled Adele back to look at her face.


    ¡°Once we get there, we¡¯ll need to avoid Antonio¡¯s men, as I expect that bastard will have his people looking for Sally and me. I hate to do this, but they won¡¯t be looking for you. I¡¯m asking that you get the tickets, then we¡¯ll board at the last minute. It¡¯ll be tough and things can go wrong. I¡¯ll understand if you can¡¯t do it. But no matter what, you must leave this apartment and get out of town.¡±


    Adele forced a smile.


    ¡°Give me a few minutes and I¡¯ll pack a few things. Do you have any cash?¡±


    I grunted and shrugged.


    ¡°Not enough, I¡¯m guessing.¡±


    She patted my chest.


    ¡°That¡¯s why you need me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the only reason.¡± I frowned at the idea.


    But isn¡¯t she right?


    Adele chuckled at me before hurrying to the back of the apartment.


    As I stood there, I felt Sally¡¯s eyes on me. I looked over.


    ¡°When you get to Sacramento, I want you to stay with Adele and me. We¡¯ll figure out something, I swear.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up, Lane. I knew what we were doing was risky. But today was the first time I¡¯ve seen Joe so brave. He wanted to protect me...¡±  Sally looked away, composing herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sad, but I¡¯m also incredibly proud.¡±


    She stopped as a strange look came over her.


    ¡°Does that make me sound like a terrible wife?¡±


    I slowly shook my head. Even I saw how her husband found sudden inspiration to become something more in her eyes. I might be young, but I¡¯m pretty damn sure that a lot of men carry the hero instinct.


    ¡°No, I am sure that he wanted to leave you that memory of him becoming a hero.¡±


    ~~~


    The three of us stood in the apartment¡¯s atrium building next to the elevator about twenty minutes later. Adele handed money to me, and I asked about it after putting down two suitcases.


    ¡°I keep an emergency stash, if you must know,¡± she said with a huff.


    I smiled and kissed her on the cheek after calling her a goddess. She blushed slightly at my efforts.


    ¡°Enough of the fun. We need to get your car,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have the doorman bring my car around the back of the building. There¡¯s a service entrance,¡± Adele explained.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I married you.¡±


    ¡°I thought it was my money,¡± she smirked, gave him a wink, then walked over to the doorman.


    ¡°You get along well with your wife,¡± Sally commented.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting better,¡± I said. ¡°Lane Dagger¡¯s been such an ass. I had doubts she¡¯d ever trust me again.¡±


    Sally¡¯s peculiar look at the way I spoke about myself in third person missed my notice. My focus centered on the doorman leaving the building. Adele came back and led us to the back of the building.


    Our luck held as Adele drove away with Sally and me sitting in the backseat, scrunched down out of sight. After a couple of blocks, Adele told us that no one was following the car. I lifted my head and looked behind with a feeling of relief.


    Well, one step through the gauntlet, I thought.


    All of us remained quiet as Adele drove. I expected trouble around every corner until I finally sought diversion by mentioning our next step of getting aboard the train.


    ¡°Someone will watch for us, even if nobody recognizes this car,¡± Sally pointed out. ¡°I can¡¯t think of a way to walk through the station. It¡¯s not like we can hide among the crowd. It¡¯s not that busy, as I recall.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Adele agreed. ¡°But won¡¯t these men look for you and Lane out front of the building? I mean, it¡¯s hard to see how they can monitor the entire platform.¡±


    ¡°I suppose,¡± Sally agreed.


    ¡°Sorry, but with my luck, we can expect them outside the front and on the platform,¡± I said.


    ¡°We should have a plan soon. Here¡¯s the train station.¡± Adele turned onto Depot Avenue, which ran next to the two sets of railroad tracks. The squat red brick building came into view. On the closest set of tracks, a train engine hooked to a half-dozen cars sat along the main platform of the station.


    ¡°Pull over into a parking place here,¡± I suddenly told her.

 Chapter 26 A Bitter Smile

    Fortunately, Adele handled it well, smoothly steering her automobile into a parking space between two other cars. I realized we parked in front of the Kress 5-10 store.


    ¡°Did you see something?¡± Sally looked around.


    ¡°No, but I had a thought. Maybe this is nuts, but why not get on the train from the other side of the line? Is there a way to pay for tickets after we get aboard?¡± I pointed to a mostly open field between the next street from Depot and the twin sets of tracks.


    The women looked over the area, then turned back to me. I hadn¡¯t convinced them.


    ¡°Yes, we can pay onboard if they aren¡¯t full. Your idea might work at night. But if someone sees us from the platform, we¡¯re as good as dead,¡± Adele pointed out. ¡°We¡¯re running out of time. It¡¯s only twenty minutes before the train leaves.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, too many unknowns,¡± I replied, as I liked my idea even less. ¡°But I¡¯m assuming they are waiting there. They¡¯ll just get onboard to put us in a spot where we can¡¯t escape if they see us go in the front way.¡±


    ¡°Still, your idea might work if we have a diversion,¡± Sally said as she glanced at Adele.


    ¡°What are you getting at?¡± I didn¡¯t like how the woman¡¯s eyes lit up at the thought.


    ¡°I mean, we have someone create a diversion inside the building while the others cross the field.¡±


    Adele and I glanced at each other.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s worth a try, but what is the diversion?¡± Adele¡¯s question matched my thoughts.


    Sally frowned, trying to think of something.


    ¡°We can always start a fire or a fight, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Too bad I don¡¯t have fireworks,¡± I joked. ¡°I remember a TV series when somebody used that.¡±


    I heard a gasp and noticed Adele¡¯s eyes light up. She suddenly opened the car door and got out, closing the door behind her. Sally and I watched her hurry inside the store.


    ¡°What is a TV?¡± Sally asked me.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s something I read about in a magazine. You know those fantasy stories they have in them,¡± I lied while hoping she wouldn¡¯t press for more. Fortunately, Sally withdrew back into her shell.


    Did Adele know what a TV is?


    A few minutes later, Adele came out with a small bag in her hand. She came to the passenger door on my side and motioned for me to roll down the window.


    ¡°Give me my suitcase,¡± she ordered. ¡°You drive Sally to the next street on the other side of the tracks. When you hear the diversion, head across and get on the train. Even if it¡¯s moving, get on it. I¡¯ll watch for you from the car.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what are you doing?¡± I held on to her suitcase as she reached out. ¡°You can¡¯t get caught and stuck here.¡±


    ¡°Nobody¡¯s looking for me and I won¡¯t get caught,¡± she held up her bag like a trophy. ¡°The train won¡¯t wait on us. Trust me, I¡¯ll be fine. You¡¯ll know it¡¯s time when you hear it.¡±


    She leaned over and kissed me, then took the case from my hand. I got out of the car and watched her get on the sidewalk before following it along Depot Avenue.


    I went around to the driver¡¯s side and got in. Starting the car, I backed out, then did a U-turn.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± Sally¡¯s worried voice carried up from the back seat. ¡°She could get caught.¡±


    ¡°Nope, I¡¯m not sure at all. I¡¯m flying by the seat of my pants,¡± I said honestly.


    After I turned to take Main Street across the tracks, I glanced back in the rearview mirror at Sally.


    ¡°Thing is, I trust her. Just like I trust you. We¡¯ll be alright.¡± My words were for myself as much as for her.


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    After turning on to the next street, I stopped the car in a parking area near a closed building with a rusty sign above the door. From our vantage point, the train cars mostly hid the train station platform. I got out of the car and opened the back door as Sally slid out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll know it when I hear it. Do you have any idea what she¡¯s talking about?¡±


    I asked the woman next to me as we watched the train across the narrow field between us. Sally shook her head, clutching the other suitcase tightly. I put my hand on her shoulder.


    It¡¯s going to be alright, I thought to myself. Then I heard the diversion start.


    Inside the women¡¯s restroom in one stall, Adele lit a match. She placed it under several torn pieces from a newspaper that she purchased outside the terminal. As the paper caught fire, she placed the flaming sheet inside the bag of firecrackers that she purchased inside the 5-10 store. Adele hurried from the stall, throwing the package into the wastebasket as she went out the door. She slowed, calming herself as she headed to the train car about ten paces in front of her.


    ¡°Excuse me lady,¡± a man¡¯s gruff voice caught her attention, but she continued on her path.


    ¡°Miss, hold up,¡± the man¡¯s hand came down on her shoulder.


    Adele turned to see a large porter holding her suitcase.


    ¡°You left this for me to watch,¡± he said. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to frighten you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry. Here, thanks for your help,¡± Adele pulled change from her purse for his tip and handed it to him.


    As the porter handed her suitcase to her, a pop went off, followed by a series of pops. A frantic yell came from the women¡¯s restroom as the fireworks suddenly exploded inside the trash can. The porter ran over as two women came out of the restroom, holding their hands to their ears. Smoke soon poured out of the door when another man opened the door and the fireworks continued to explode.


    Adele scanned the platform and noticed everyone¡¯s attention on the scene. She smiled to herself and moved aside for a large man with a scarred face who moved toward the growing crowd. She glanced back at him before she stepped on to the train. Inside, the car attendant took her suitcase and Adele followed him, happily looking at the people on the train watching the spectacle on the train station platform.


    ¡°I have two more joining me. Can you get us a quiet place? We¡¯ll purchase tickets from the conductor. You¡¯re not full, are you?¡± she said to the man as he asked about her tickets.


    ¡°Oh, no, ma¡¯am, the run to Sacramento isn¡¯t usually full. I recommend the observation car, right next to the club car,¡± he told Adele. As they passed from one train car into the next, she leaned out to look for Lane and Sally, who were close to the middle car. She waved at them, and they re-routed their path towards her.


    The attendant led her to the corner of the observation car, where Adele gave him a tip. She took a seat while looking out at her handiwork, which still had people¡¯s attention on the platform. However, she could no longer hear the fireworks explosions. Before long, two winded passengers arrived inside the observation car. They spotted her and looked down as Adele gave them a smug grin.


    ¡°Well, you know how to create a diversion,¡± I told my wife as I took the seat next to her.


    After our quiet laughter stopped, I reminded them we needed to keep our guard up.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see who¡¯s on this car all the way to the back of the train,¡± I warned. ¡°Sally, you keep an eye on people coming into this compartment.¡±


    When I stood, I looked at them and winked.


    ¡°Scream like a banshee if someone tries anything.¡±


    My tour of the observation compartment and the club car revealed only a few passengers. As I started back to where the women sat, the train moved forward. When I entered the observation car, an attendant came down the steps from the deck above. He asked if I needed assistance, and his question gave me an idea.


    ¡°Actually, you can help me a lot.¡± I pulled out a ten-dollar bill and handed it to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m a shamus on a case. You see those women in the corner?¡± He looked at the table where I pointed and nodded. ¡°They have a strange man stalking them, so I¡¯m getting them out of town. Let me know if you see anyone asking around about that blond.¡±


    ¡°Mister, I¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t have any problems,¡± the man smiled at the money. ¡°I¡¯ll let the conductor know as well.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Make sure they get to Sacramento alright.¡± I told him when I thought about the last time that I tried to leave town.


    When I got back to the booth, the two women stopped talking. I told them everything looked good.


    ¡°The back car has a bar and snacks. How about we get something?¡±


    They agreed, and we went to the last car on the train.


    A few minutes later, the train is picking up speed, and we have drinks in our hands. I decided on a beer since I don¡¯t like most cocktails. Adele had her favorite, which she called a stinger. I noted that for the next time we went for drinks. Sally ordered a Manhattan and drank half the glass in one long swallow. Adele and I glanced at her, but my attention went back to the window. I wondered how soon we¡¯d reach the city limits.


    Adele must have noticed my unease, because she called out my name.


    ¡°Honey, I wanted to ask you about our trip. Any ideas on where to go for our second honeymoon?¡±


    Adele¡¯s face turned red when she realized the implications of what she said as Sally sat next to her.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t act that way. You¡¯ve done nothing wrong,¡± Sally told her. She sighed before lifting her glass. ¡°We can only go forward, right?¡±


    ¡°Still, it was insensitive of me,¡± Adele said. Then, she changed the subject. ¡°Let me order us some snacks. A couple of these will go straight to my head.¡±


    Sally smiled to herself, then drained her glass.


    ¡°That sounds good to me.¡± She reached out and touched Adele¡¯s hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need to walk on eggshells. I¡¯m sorry for putting you in this situation.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s what happens when you marry a detective,¡± Adele gave me a bitter smile.

 Chapter 27 That Bitch Isn’t Letting Me Leave

    I lost touch with their conversation when I noticed my beer tasted funny. Then, a wave of nausea struck me, and I leaned back on the bench seat.


    ¡°Lane, it¡¯s happening again!¡± Adele¡¯s voice grabbed me. I look up at her pale face.


    Immediately I understood. Feeling around in my jacket front pocket, I pulled out a handkerchief that Adele slid in earlier that day. I pushed the cloth against my eyes as a blinding headache hit me.


    I know I have no choice. They have to go on their own.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, babe. That bitch isn¡¯t letting me leave,¡± I told Adele, as my sight goes a fuzzy red.


    ¡°Adele, get Sally to Sacramento and both of you use your maiden names...call me at the office...leave a message...with Alice.¡±


    I catch a glimpse of Sally, who¡¯s staring openmouthed at the appalling sight across the table.


    ¡°I promise that... I¡¯ll get ahold of you,¡± my voice sounds frantic because I¡¯m giving out everything that I can think of through the growing agony inside my head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call anyone... promise me that... ahh... damn it, I won¡¯t make it if I go on with you.¡±


    Stumbling to stand up after sliding out of the booth, I can feel the blood tears now dripping down from my face in full force. The raging torture inside my head doesn¡¯t allow me to think ahead. My only thought is to get out of there.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stop the train. You need to get to the hospital.¡± Adele¡¯s voice grew shrill. I heard a cackling laugh inside my throbbing mind.


    That fucking bitch who¡¯s doing this to me needs to die!


    Nearly tripping over a nearby chair, I stumbled and weaved a path towards the back of the car. Sally kept watching in disbelief and shock until Adele frantically pushed her from the booth. They hurried to catch me when I reached the backdoor. An older man in a bartender¡¯s uniform stepped out from behind the bar to warn me not to open the door. He backed away in fear when I turned my head to the sound of his voice warning me.


    As I step out onto the small platform hanging off the end of the train, my brain can barely decide anything. Waves of crushing pain hit me and for a second, I feel close to blacking out. My hands find the guardrail which I open, not even thinking about how fast the train is moving. Then, two pairs of hands grab me as Adele frantically yells for me to stop.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice! I¡¯m dying,¡±


    Her grip loosens when she sees my desperation. In that instant, I know she¡¯s frightened for me. Sally lets go of her grip; her expression was nearly as upset as Adele.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it...I swear. Take care of yourself, beautiful.¡±


    Immediately, I pushed them back, then took two steps to jump as far away from the train as I could. As I feel the blast of air from the moving train hit me after I jump, a thought comes to me.


    Damn, I hope my death is quick.


    After that, I really don¡¯t remember much beyond seeing the red sky go by several times as I tumbled down the embankment. Somehow, I got to my feet, waves of pain filling my body along with my brain. My knee feels like it¡¯s broken and I¡¯m screaming out in rage at the bitch who did this to me. I lift myself to one knee, turning my body to the sound of the train¡¯s fading noise and wave both arms. I can¡¯t see more than a few feet, so I hope they see me.


    Steeling myself to stand, I left up to while my knee wanted to buckle. After getting to my feet, I can¡¯t stop swaying back and forth. Looking at the ground, for a moment, I thought I should just lie down and die.


    Fuck no! I¡¯m still killing that bitch!


    Somehow, I turned and limped toward Stull Junction, following the train track. While the tormenting voice cackled occasionally, the pressure decreased enough for me to open my eyes more often to see where I¡¯m walking.


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    ~~~


    Adele stood like a porcelain doll with her hand still held in the air, long after Lane¡¯s figure disappeared. In her hand, she felt the blood-stained handkerchief that Lane handed her before he jumped. Her mind remained blank, still trying to grasp what had occurred. Even though she witnessed her husband¡¯s bizarre condition before, this latest occurrence terrified her.


    This is unnatural!


    At her side stood Sally with a blank expression, staring at the same spot. Over the course of a few hours, she witnessed enough to lose her hold on reality. First, the image of her dead husband came to her. Then, she watched blood streaming from Lane¡¯s eyes while he¡¯s going crazy from pain. Now, she¡¯s standing on a car platform watching the man wave his arms after jumping from a moving train.


    I must be going mad!


    Behind the two women, the bartender and the porter paid by Lane saw enough to question their own hold on sanity. They immediately tried to coax the women back inside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll contact the authorities at our next stop to help him.¡± The porter¡¯s words suddenly jolted Adele from her stance.


    ¡°No, that¡¯ll put him in danger.¡± Adele listened to her words and shook her head. She suppressed the maddening need to laugh at the absurdity of what she said as she still stared at the rail tracks.


    ¡°Believe it or not, this happened before,¡± she whispered.


    Suddenly, the woman turned around to face the men.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be alright!¡± Her forceful statement left no doubt of her resolve.


    She still didn¡¯t want to believe what she witnessed for the second time. Lane¡¯s obvious agony hurt her deeply. She couldn¡¯t do anything for him. Something forced Lane to decide whether to perish on the train or die by jumping from it. The woman recognized the reason behind his desperate behavior now, after she thought about it.


    ¡°Is there a quiet spot away that we can go?¡± Adele asked the men standing in the doorway. Seeing the blank look on Sally¡¯s face, Adele realized Sally needed an explanation of some sort.


    Even though I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on!


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am, please come with me,¡± the porter held the door and shooed away a few curious passengers who came into the car during the commotion.


    Adele took Sally by the arm, and they silently followed the porter to another car used for overnight passengers. The porter pulled his master key and unlocked the door.


    ¡°We reserve this cabin for the big shots of the company. I¡¯ll bring your drinks.¡± His sympathetic smile went unnoticed as the women entered the cabin.


    Sally mechanically sat in one of the bench seats while Adele took a spot across from her. The porter returned with fresh drinks and Adele paid him after he pulled out individual trays from the handles of the seats.


    ¡°Do you really believe he¡¯ll be alright?¡± Sally finally asked after the man left.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Adele admitted, dropping her head while fighting the tears she wanted to cry. She took a deep breath and looked up.


    ¡°This happened the other day when we were driving...¡± The memory stirred something in her mind. ¡°We were heading out of town...¡± her voice trailed off.


    We were leaving town like before. Who won¡¯t let Lane leave?


    Sally unconsciously took a drink, the warmth of the alcohol almost immediately felt inside her empty stomach. She looked over at Adele, who shook her head.


    ¡°When we got to the hospital, Lane was fine,¡± Adele said. ¡°The doctor didn¡¯t have any idea why it happened. As much as I want to tell the porter to call the authorities, Lane wants me to believe in him. I¡¯ve never seen him so desperate. It hurts me. I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°But your husband said something about she won¡¯t let me leave. Are you sure that there¡¯s not something wrong with him...¡± Sally went quiet at the implication.


    ¡°No,¡± Adele insisted, then looked away. She took a drink, thinking about the idea. While she tried to dismiss it, she also recognized how much he had changed recently. They went quiet, each woman lost in their thoughts.


    ¡°He¡¯s changed a lot recently,¡± Adele suddenly spoke while she stared out the window at the scenery going by. ¡°We were close to divorce and suddenly he comes home, telling me he would fix everything.¡±


    The woman gave a sour smile when she recalled the night.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Sally said as she turned the glass back and forth in her hands. ¡°Your husband saved me from Antonio. I still don¡¯t really understand the reason. When I asked him to help, I just wanted him to talk to Antonio because I thought your husband was like that gangster. Selfishly, I thought he could get Antonio to back off for a week.¡±


    She looked over at Adele, whose expression remained thoughtful.


    ¡°After we spoke, I expected he would turn me down because he was a coward. Obviously, I was wrong about that.


    She paused.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t know what I should tell you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, what we saw is unbelievable...¡± Adele hesitated. ¡°I¡¯d almost say it¡¯s religious...if I believed in those things.¡± The woman took a deep breath.


    ¡°When we get to Sacramento, he¡¯ll be alright, I must believe that.¡±


    They went back to their thoughts for a while, quietly drinking.


    ¡°Anyway, I should be comforting you,¡± Adele looked up from her glass. ¡°Although we just met, I¡¯m truly sorry for your loss. This might sound trite but, from what Lane told me earlier, you¡¯ve experience far too much today.¡±


    Tears built in Sally¡¯s eyes when the words brought back the memory of Joe¡¯s death. For the first time in their marriage, her husband tried to protect her, only to die.


    ¡°Yeah, I suppose so. I¡¯ve never been so...well, then Joe tried to stop them,¡± she sniffed and held up her head. ¡°I believe I should be proud of him, but all I can think of about is how did it come to this? But I know it¡¯s a terrible waste to dwell on something I cannot repair. It¡¯s not like I can go back in time to stop Joe from doing those things that helped get me to this point.¡±


    She went quiet, listening to the rhythmic sound of the tracks, while lost to their own thoughts.

 Chapter 28 Playing Nice With These People Will Get Me Killed

    By the third round of drinks, Adele knew about Sally¡¯s failing marriage and how Joe changed over the years. Adele noticed Sally¡¯s demeanor shifted as she glossed over her evening with Antonio and his thugs. Adele guessed the pain went deeper than the woman let on. However, when Sally told her more details concerning Lane¡¯s involvement in helping Sally, the explanation bothered Adele.


    For a fleeting instant, she wondered if Lane carried feelings for Sally. The woman told Adele that Lane appeared happy at the thought of thumbing his nose at the gangster. The explanation reminded Adele when Lane showed up at the apartment. For a brief instant, Lane appeared to enjoy shaming Lloyd and her. Combined with the jealousy he showed, it was an attitude so different from the man she married.


    As for Sally, her mind drifted away from the last 24 hours as the effects of the drinks filled her. When Sally looked at Adele, she realized they had some similarities. Foremost was the loneliness and distance they shared with husbands at one point. Somehow, their men became lost to them. Sally knew the distance with Joe came from his drinking, but that was a response to his inability to succeed in his career. She wondered how much of his change came from her own insecurities. Did she emasculate him by taking charge of her father¡¯s business?


    She sighed, thinking about Adele and Lane¡¯s relationship. When Sally heard about Lane¡¯s transformation, Sally felt a bit of envy. Still, she also sensed Adele¡¯s bitterness about her husband becoming involved her in problems. Perhaps it was Lane¡¯s work as a detective, which also strained their relationship. Sally laughed at herself, realizing the drinks were causing her to come up with strange thoughts.


    A knock at the door of the room made both women look over when the porter entered.


    ¡°Ladies, I thought I should tell you we¡¯re only a few minutes away from Sacramento. I can show you to your seats. By the way, the conductor reminded me you never paid for your tickets.¡±


    The woman looked at each other, then they laughed at the news.


    ¡°So, are you charging us for two seats or three?¡± Adele asked the man. Sally¡¯s laughter nearly turned hysterical when she saw the porter¡¯s confused expression as he told them he would talk with the conductor.


    The two women realized their intoxication as they disembarked the train in Sacramento. Squinting in the sunlight, they followed a baggage man after telling the large man with a mustache that they needed a taxi. He smiled broadly at the tip Adele gave him.


    ¡°Where¡¯ya heading, ladies?¡±


    The cabbie slid back into the driver¡¯s seat after putting the suitcases in the trunk.


    The women looked at each other, having a hard time to keep from laughing at the absurdity of their situation. On the run from a murderous gangster and they didn¡¯t plan for a hotel.


    ¡°You find us the best hotel in town,¡± Sally said. ¡°It¡¯s our first time here.¡±


    ~~~


    The blood continued to spill down my cheeks, staining my white shirt red as I limped along the tracks, which led me back to Stull Junction. Brushing away the blood tears with my coat sleeve, I could occasionally make out a blurry city in the distance.


    Still, I could only lurch along, barely functioning from the relentless waves of nausea and crippling torture inside my head. After a while, my senses felt a gradual release from the attacks striking me. While I did not see any city limit sign, the blood tears changed over to clear fluid. Pausing in the middle of the tracks, I bent over, letting the natural tears flow. The action slowly washed away the gritty feeling stinging with each movement of my eyelids. The feeling of relief helped move the tears as I stood erect and looked around.


    At least I can see again.


    Still, I wasn¡¯t happy by any stretch. My aching body kept finding more of the damage I suffered from the tumble off the train as I walked. I took an assessment of my clothing and determined that the suit and shirt were probably not salvageable. I lost my hat at some point, but I still had my wallet and black book. Even more miraculous was my gun remained in its holster. There¡¯s a reason for the piece of leather covering the hammer. But lost clothing was the least of my worries.


    I needed to get to my office. After that, my goal is just staying alive while keeping Adele and Sally away, I reminded myself grimly. Plus, I had business with Freddie Antonio that required me to get dirty. A bitter smile came to my face. When I entered the city again, I finally came out of my initial reluctance about dealing with Antonio. Since the bastard wanted me dead, he left me with only one option, since I can¡¯t run away. Somehow, I knew that the cackling idiot I heard inside my head wanted me to go against the gangster. The forced events led me to believe Miss Wonderful set me up for this event.


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    Be careful what you wish for, you cold-blood bitch!


    Eventually, I found a car shop and gas station where I stopped to clean up my appearance. Well, as much as water can do to remove blood from clothes and my face. The pay phone got me a taxi while the shop owner gave me a wary stare several times. When he finally asked what happened to me, I gave him a smile and told him I fell down. He looked at me like I was a crazy man but quit trying to figure out my business.


    The cab drove me to my apartment first, and I took the rear door into the building. I checked out the lobby from behind a fake marble partition and immediately noticed one of Antonio¡¯s thugs sitting there. It was the guy named Johnny. The doorman, standing near him, kept giving uncomfortable glances at the tough. From the doorman¡¯s body language, I knew he was afraid. I didn¡¯t blame him as I backed away and took a back stairwell up to my apartment. I peeked around the corner when I got to the floor, but no one was in the hallway.


    When I got inside the apartment, I bolted the door and went to the phone to call my office. Alice picked up on the third ring and said that no one left a message for me. After putting down the handset, I went into the bedroom to find clothes and get a quick shower. After all, I do some of my best thinking while I¡¯m under the spray of warm water.


    As I thought about my situation, I remembered my little black book and came up with a plan that only lacked a lure, and I knew right where my bait sat. I decided against playing cat and mouse with Antonio anymore. He left me his calling card, so I would take him up on his offer, but on my terms. Picking up the phone, I called Judge Seabury. I needed some advice on legal landmines I planned on setting out. After speaking with him for a few minutes, I called down to the front desk.


    When I finally left the apartment, my mind no longer debated my coming actions. I decided to protect two people from Antonio. Whatever the outcome, I had to go through with it. Certainly, I fear death and I can¡¯t picture myself a hero like Joe. As I stood under the water, my thoughts returned to one fact that I can¡¯t run from. I¡¯m stuck in a persona that I can¡¯t remove, despite how much I want to be free of it. Whether the bitch in my head is setting me up for worse or not, I must survive or just give up. Maybe I¡¯ve gone nuts here, but I can¡¯t even think about giving up. Surviving my latest encounter with whoever kept me in Stull Junction gave me confidence that I would never have a week ago.


    Playing nice with these people will get me killed.


    I went down the back stairs with my.45 in my hand and a gray fedora on my head. Before I left the apartment, I looked in the mirror, realizing that I was paying more attention to such things. For a brief instant, I wondered if the persona held more of a hold on me than I cared to admit.


    When I got to the main floor, I carefully stepped out into the lobby. Taking up a position behind the partition again, I noticed Johnny moved his position. Now, he stood near the desk where the desk clerk in green sat answering the calls coming into the apartment building.


    Well, thanks for small favors, I thought. The thug¡¯s back was to me.


    Stepping out when the doorman stepped outside, I quietly walked up behind Johnny. Poking him in the back with the barrel of the .45, I told him to walk to the front door.


    ¡°You will slowly put your gun on the counter, or you get a big hole in your back.¡±


    The goon grunted, then nodded while carefully pulling his revolver from under his jacket. I pressed hard on his back with the barrel, reminding him of my presence.


    ¡°Now take a step forward,¡± I said.


    As he did, I grabbed the gun while the clerk at the counter stared at us. Glancing over, I pressed my index finger to my lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother the cops, it¡¯s a family matter,¡± I said.


    My new friend, Johnny, played along as we exited the building. Even the clerk at the desk didn¡¯t pick up the phone as we left. But it didn¡¯t take long for the thug¡¯s attitude and words to piss me off.


    ¡°You¡¯re not too smart. Antonio wants to kill you slow, and you walked right back to us. Every punk with a gun is looking for you,¡± the man told me confidently.


    ¡°Well, I can still take out a few before I go. I can¡¯t wait to see your boss again. We need to clear a few things up.¡± I tried to remain flippant, but my nerves wrapped around me like a noose.


    ¡°It¡¯s the blue car, isn¡¯t it?¡± I said after I noticed a man leaning back in the driver¡¯s seat with his hat covering his eyes.


    ¡°Quiet or your kidneys go boom,¡± I warned him.


    Pushing him to come up behind the car, we got near the back tire, and I lifted my gun and smashed it into the back of Johnny¡¯s head. The big man¡¯s grunt as he dropped to his knees woke his partner in the car. However, I moved around Johnny and pointed my gun in his friend¡¯s face. The man stopped trying to get his pistol out of his holster and slowly lifted his right hand away. He grinned until I cocked the hammer.


    ¡°Hand me the keys now. Use your right hand or die!¡±


    He carefully pulled them from the ignition switch and handed me the keys. I stepped close, monitoring Johnny, who lay on the ground moaning while holding the back of his head. Any other time, I might have cared about how hard I hit him.


    ¡°Now, pull your gun with your fingers,¡± I told the driver. ¡°Do it so slow that I can see the serial number. Move too fast and you¡¯ll lose that ugly face.¡±


    The goon did as I ordered, his eyes staring at the gun pointed just beyond his reach. I pocketed the gun and told him to get out of the car. I went to the trunk and opened it.


    ¡°Put your friend in the trunk.¡±


    A few minutes later, both of Antonio¡¯s men lay crammed inside the trunk of the blue La Salle. I¡¯ll admit that I drove away with a certain sense of satisfaction that I pulled the whole thing off without killing them or me dying. Yet, my hands shook worse than standing in front of Antonio in his club.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up yet, dummy,¡± I told myself after taking a deep breath.

 Chapter 29 Looks Like I’m the Bait

    I finally made it back to the Royal Building as the sun finally disappeared behind a line of clouds in the west. It looked like rain was coming in and I didn¡¯t have much daylight left. I pulled into a back lot and backed the car against the building. I hit the concrete with the chrome back bumper and heard the men inside calling out. My quick check showed the trunk wasn¡¯t opening while parked against the wall, so I told them I¡¯d return soon. As I walked into the building, I heard the distant peal of thunder.


    Perfect timing, I thought.


    Using the back stairs, I didn¡¯t see anyone hanging around the hallway leading to my office. Still, I carefully walked in with my gun in my hand. The lights were on, so I called out to Alice. To my amazement, the door to my office opened, and I felt a brush of scented air pass me. Locking the door behind me, I asked about any messages. A piece of paper slid over her desk, and I saw Adele¡¯s name. Then I smiled with a sense of relief washing over me. The same paper had O¡¯Conner¡¯s number on it as well. I ripped out part of the paper and wrote a number from my black book.


    ¡°Perfect, I¡¯ll call Adele.¡± I checked my watch, frowning at the damage I just noticed.


    At least it still runs, I thought as I put the watch near my ear. I did a quick calculation.


    ¡°Can you make a call to this number for me at this time?¡± I looked at the empty chair holding my secretary.


    I handed her the paper with a message that I wanted Alice to tell the man who picked up the phone.


    Adele sat in the chair by the window of the hotel room. She stared out at the dreary skies as the rain came down, thinking how appropriate the weather felt given her mood.


    In one bed, Sally quietly slept on her side with her back to Adele. The phone rang, breaking the silence, and Adele hurried over between the beds to answer.


    ¡°Hello beautiful!¡±


    Adele smiled when she heard her husband¡¯s voice.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Her tone sounded worried and relieved.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m just fine,¡± I told her while ignoring my body¡¯s complaints. ¡°As soon as I got back to the city, it stopped just like the first time. I¡¯m sorry if I worried you. I feel terrible for not being able to stay with you.¡±


    The silence on the line bothered me.


    ¡°Adele, how are you doing?¡± I heard a sniffle and realized how stupid my question sounded.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, honey. I¡¯m so glad to hear from you. I was really worried about you. Did you have any problems?¡±


    I told her a bit about my journey back, trying to keep from going too deep. For all I knew, Antonio might tap the phone line. That sudden thought gave me a chill.


    ¡°Now, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m working on something to keep everyone safe. I can¡¯t explain, since I¡¯m on a time crunch here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t put yourself in danger,¡± she warned. ¡°You still owe me a lot of time, remember?¡±


    The tone of her voice remained light, but I knew she was forcing herself. Hell, I was doing the same thing.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ve learned my lesson.¡± I paused, trying to think of more to say. Then, I diverted like I normally do.


    ¡°Say, how¡¯s Sally doing? You won¡¯t have a problem staying there for a few days, will you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s sleeping,¡± Adele replied, stifling a sniff as tears formed. ¡°We¡¯ll be just fine. We decided to make it a girl¡¯s vacation.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea.¡± I let out my own strained chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t be long, I promise. I gotta go, so please take care of yourself.¡±


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    I hung up before Adele could respond. Then I picked up the phone and called O¡¯Conner.


    ~~~


    Back at the Hotel Sequoia, Adele sat on the edge of her bed. Tears came down her cheeks as she silently cried with the handset still in her hand.


    ¡°Is your husband alright?¡± Sally¡¯s voice came to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for waking you...yes, it¡¯s just like last time,¡± Adele retrieved a tissue from her purse. ¡°I can¡¯t understand how leaving town can do that to him. But he¡¯s not even talking about it. I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯t even go to the doctor. He tells me he¡¯s on a time crunch, whatever the hell that means.¡±


    Sally rolled over and sat up to face her.


    ¡°You think he¡¯s going to do something?¡±


    Adele glanced up and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m starting to understand him. I swear he says things, so I won¡¯t worry. It just makes me angry when he thinks he¡¯s so darn smart. Damn it, does he think I¡¯m a fool?¡±


    She gazed at Sally, her eyes searching for understanding.


    ¡°Lane¡¯s going to do to something. I can sense it when he turns the conversation. All I want him to do is stay away from that gangster. Why won¡¯t he listen?¡±


    ¡°It sounds to me like he¡¯s got no choice,¡± Sally replied. ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll be safer trying to avoid that bastard? Antonio¡¯s got people all over the town.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not right,¡± Adele grew angry as she went quiet.


    Sally came over to sit next to the upset woman after Adele dropped her head into her hands.


    ¡°Just like this afternoon, all I can do is wait for the phone call that tells me whether he¡¯s alive or dead. Is that fixing our problems? How is that fair?¡± Adele mumbled from her hands. Sally put her arm over the woman¡¯s shoulder, trying to blink out her own tears that came.


    ¡°Certainly, it¡¯s not fair. How can you love someone who wants to be a hero?¡±


    ~~~


    I pulled the La Salle in front of the park bench where O¡¯Conner and Judge Seabury sat. O¡¯Conner was there as a backup for my plans. The rain fell lightly as they held umbrellas over their heads. I got out of the car and came over to the bench, wishing I remembered to take along a rain jacket from my office.


    ¡°Tell me the truth, judge. Is the D.A. Winton honest?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can attest to his integrity. That¡¯s probably why you¡¯ve not met with him at social gatherings,¡± the old gentlemen smirked.


    I grinned.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m trying to get better. It also explains why Paul Hyde is running against him. Antonio wants control of the district attorney¡¯s office.¡±


    The judge nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s one peril of a democracy, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m giving you something that you can use as you need in the future. I¡¯d like you to call Winton with a tip that will assure his re-election.¡±


    Both men looked at me like I had escaped the mental asylum.


    ¡°I¡¯m not nuts, well, at least not yet. In that car trunk, you will find two of Antonio¡¯s men who ambushed me at my home. In an hour, Antonio and his men will be in a warehouse on 14th Street. They call it the old Mill Room. Are you familiar with the place?¡±


    I looked at O¡¯Conner who nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s one of Antonio¡¯s buildings. He used to haul bootleg out of there. But why would he go there?¡± the ex-copy eyebrows rose in curiosity.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention that Antonio stores heroin there for his operations. He¡¯s bringing it in for LA and San Francisco contacts that he recently gained.¡± I didn¡¯t mention my black book told me this.


    ¡°I think the D.A. who puts him behind bars with that haul automatically wins the election,¡± I replied confidently.


    O¡¯Conner looked over at the car.


    ¡°The D.A. could also say that kidnapping and torture are illegal,¡± the big man said. ¡°Also, how can you be sure those drugs are there? Antonio¡¯s got spies everywhere.¡±


    I rubbed the day¡¯s growth of beard on my chin. It was a point that I missed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re implying. The two in there I¡¯m giving a ride to their boss. I¡¯ve only given one a headache for those punches he did on me at the club.¡±


    ¡°Christ,¡± O¡¯Conner couldn¡¯t help grinning.


    The judge told Shane not to encourage me.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to that building to make sure the drugs are there. So, if it¡¯s not there, I¡¯ll lure in Antonio with my presence. Hell, he¡¯s wanting me dead according to my passengers, so I¡¯m the perfect bait, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    O¡¯Conner dropped his head and shook it while the judge looked at me with sorrow in his eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane, aren¡¯t you?


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that someone I know would agree with you,¡± I shrugged. ¡°But if you got a better idea, I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    I waited, and finally, Seabury agreed he would make the call. I looked at my watch, which still ran despite the missing crystal from my train episode.


    ¡°Alright, one hour from right now,¡± I walked toward the car.


    ¡°Good luck, you idiot!¡± O¡¯Conner called out.


    ¡°Oh, that reminds me.¡± I stopped and turned back. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you that Adele Dagger and Sally Vaugh are staying in Sacramento at the Hotel Sequoia. If this goes wrong, make sure they leave the state. I don¡¯t need a funeral.¡±


    ~~~


    Judge Seabury looked sad after Lane Dagger drove away. O¡¯Conner stood and watched the La Salle turn onto Peach Street.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid for that young man. He¡¯s reckless, and he¡¯s going against the rules.¡± The judge stood and strolled toward his car.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what we need? I mean, Winton and you have tried to change things. I¡¯d say it¡¯s better to have allies on the good side,¡± O¡¯Conner said as he followed.


    The judge stopped and turned back to his friend.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid the one in charge won¡¯t be as agreeable.¡±

 Chapter 30 I’ll Soon Find Out What Hell Is Really Like! — End of Arc 1

    Yeah, when I drove away from the Seabury and O¡¯Conner, I was spouting bullshit like I knew what I was doing. Truth be told, I knew this play was risky, but I couldn¡¯t think of another way to go. Even if I found a place to hide, how long would I last? What happened when Antonio found Adele and Sally? My only option lay in the information about Antonio¡¯s drug dealing. Getting the good guys to take the gangster out seemed the only viable solution. Sure, I wanted this place to be a game that would reset if I made a mistake, but I¡¯m damn sure that¡¯s not happening.


    The drive to Antonio¡¯s warehouse started off poorly as the rain came down hard and I noticed the dark building already had a car sitting by the entrance. I drove by and went up several blocks before backtracking. Finally, I parked a block away from the address, beside a small vacant warehouse with a large sign nearby. The occasional knocks and pleas to be released told me they were still alive. I pulled out my .45 Colt and opened the trunk. I was hard to see them, but the smell of piss greeted me.


    ¡°Get out,¡± I said as I took a step back.


    When the men finally rolled out of the trunk, both of them had difficulty standing from the cramps in their legs. I listened to their complaints and groans for a bit, then told them to shut up. I had already written off any humanity about these characters in my mind. These bastards would happily break my bones for their boss.


    ¡°Start walking to the warehouse. I¡¯m calling your boss in, so if you want to stay alive long enough to see him, don¡¯t do anything stupid. Just think of this as a trade.¡±


    The last line made me smirk since I wanted to throw them off on my intentions. If they considered this a swap for their lives, they might be slightly less dangerous to me. They limped away from the car and stepped on the sidewalk, which ran alongside the small warehouse as the rain intensified. As we walked by a large fading sign that claimed there was space for rent, I remained a couple of steps behind them. I kept my other hand in my pocket. Holding one of their revolvers in my other hand comforts me.


    Hell yes, I was cautious. My freaking hands are shaking, and my nerves feel like overstretched piano wire since I¡¯m expecting the worst as every second ticks by.


    When we reached the backside of Antonio¡¯s warehouse, I had the men stand by the side of the building. Then I looked around at the car pulled into a parking spot near the large entrance door. It didn¡¯t appear that anyone was sitting in the car. Turning back, I waved the men forward and pointed them to the smaller door where the employees entered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside so we can wait for your boss.¡±


    When the men in front of me entered the warehouse, I noticed the darkness in the extensive building. The lights hanging down from the ceiling gave off a yellow glow that barely illuminated the area. I heard someone call out, and a door opened. Quickly, I closed the distance to Johnny and put the barrel of my gun to his spine.


    ¡°Answer him!¡± I said, while pulling out my other pistol.


    ¡°Slim, it¡¯s Johnny. You got a card game going?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, come on up,¡± the voice said.


    ¡°You heard him,¡± I whispered while my nervous tension wanted to suddenly give a hysterical laugh.


    We walked slowly toward an office that sat at the top of stairs. The rest of the warehouse looked mostly empty but for plenty of shadows. There were a few crates I could see, their wooden frames piled near the stairs.


    When we reached the stairs, the voices upstairs made me realize how much of a bind I¡¯m in now. A large window that allowed the people in the office a view of the warehouse floor. So far, they weren¡¯t looking out at the people climbing the stairs. Outnumbered by at least four to one, I knew I¡¯d never go to Vegas with those odds and now my life is hanging on the balance.


    Fuck, I hate this; I thought grimly.


    ¡°Come on, Johnny, I need your money,¡± the voice called out from above.


    I pushed Johnny and his friend forward as I took a deep breath.


    When we reached the top of the stairs, Johnny finally made his move. I was half-expecting something to happen with each step, but he still surprised me. Since I was still a step below him, the big man swings at me, aiming for my chest but catches the top of my shoulder. I didn¡¯t see the knife he held, but the pain in my shoulder was authentic enough. My .45 went off at the same time, sending him reeling into his friend.


    I made the mistake of checking my shoulder briefly, then a shot rang out from the office door. Swinging around my Colt, I fired two times into a figure standing in the office door. I didn¡¯t see if I hit anything, since the incoming shots made me crouch down. Still on the stairs, I see that the open steel railing won¡¯t give me cover. Hurrying to the floor leading to the office, I jumped over Johnny¡¯s body. However, the thug who lay under his partner suddenly grabbed my leg, which sent me sprawling. The next thing I know, the bastard has my leg and is trying to stab me with Johnny¡¯s knife. Instinctively, I stomped out using the heel of my shoe, catching him in the head just before he castrated me.


    When I swung the revolver toward him, my injured arm shook so badly that the shot went wide of the mark. However, when he lifted himself to swing the knife again, his brain splattered across my shoes from my second shot.


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    I rolled away, groaning as my shoulder felt on fire. Pressing myself against the wall, I¡¯m near to the office door. However, I remained conscious of the fact that it would only get worse. The person who I asked Alice to call was Antonio. He¡¯d come running with more of his men pretty soon.


    The light inside the office went out as the gun battle started, so the darkness extended over the area. As I lifted my head to look through the window above me, it suddenly exploded from outgoing bullets.


    Fuck!


    The disadvantage I held was getting worse. I¡¯m not a hero and I don¡¯t have body armor, so there¡¯s no damn way I¡¯m rushing into that room. Deciding that retreat was the only option, I quietly backed away. The dim light filtering through the area made it difficult to see me as I slowly backed down the stairs. With each step creak, I expected shots to head my way. Worse, I¡¯m getting woozy enough that I¡¯m forced to use the railing to keep from falling. About half-way down, I hear the muffled sound of a car motor near the warehouse entrance.


    It just got worse!


    When the engine noise stopped, I knew I was between the devil and the deep blue sea. Throwing any caution to the wind, I suddenly hurried down the stairs. When I reached the bottom, two men stepped out of the office and began firing at me. The ricochet of bullets hitting the concrete floor made me move faster than I thought possible. But I dove behind a forklift as the ricochet of lead bullets cascaded around my position. I¡¯m trying to catch my breath when the front door in the warehouse opens, and I see men rushing inside.


    The goons standing at the top of the stairs believe the intruders are on my side. I¡¯m certainly not going to tell them anything as they open up, sending their shots toward those running into the warehouse. Within seconds, a gunfight breaks out between Antonio¡¯s thugs.


    While I¡¯m watching from ringside, I glance down at my watch. My calculations are off. Antonio arrived early, which means I have no choice but to keep his men hopping for a while. I started searching around the forklift for the ignition switch when one thug from the door started running toward my position. He doesn¡¯t see me since he¡¯s firing his pistol toward the office above. At the last minute, he spots me, but I¡¯ve been waiting. My gun goes off and he drops.


    Dumb move, idiot!


    Then, all hell breaks loose as the men in the doorway aim my way. I duck down behind the machine and keep praying that the D.A. and his police friends arrive soon. A heavy volley of shots finally takes down the two men up in the office. As the goons spread out, they keep shooting at the forklift, which keeps me pinned down. Finally, the gunfire stopped, and I heard Freddie Antonio¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Is that you Dagger?¡±


    I edge my head around the heavy steel masts that lift the front forks, peering toward his voice. Antonio is standing there in a white suit with four of his men near him. Looking around, I see at least two more working their way over to flank me. I decide to delay my death for a bit longer by talking.


    ¡°Yeah, thanks for stopping by,¡± I yell out. ¡°You did a good job getting rid of your own men upstairs.¡±


    ¡°They get paid well for the risks. However, you¡¯re in a bad spot. Did you really think I would exchange two of my guys for you to walk away? Shamus, that¡¯s not in the cards.¡±


    Glimpsing his movement to away from the door, I frown since I still can¡¯t get a good shot even if I was a marksman. I shake my head from growing fatigue as the fear induced adrenaline running through me declines. I pull out the two revolvers I took from his two goons and place them on the floor next to me.


    ¡°But I¡¯ll give you the opportunity to die quickly if you tell me where that Vaugh bitch is at. I still haven¡¯t gotten my fill of that sweet ass. Hell, I might even decide to use your wife with her if you don¡¯t talk.¡±


    His words pissed me off, and I took out my anger on a thug running to a crate in my line of sight. The .45 bullet hit him.


    Son of a bitch!


    I see the bastard thug still crawling into the shadows on my right flank. Another volley of incoming shots strikes the steel machine that¡¯s protecting me while forcing me to stay down.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m kind of tired of your ego crap,¡± I yelled out. Then I moved to the back of the machine and pointed the revolver at Antonio. I quickly fired off the rest of the bullets. I didn¡¯t hit him, but I smiled with satisfaction that the cocky bastard had to dive for cover.


    However, I didn¡¯t account for one of his men having a shotgun. The son of a bitch blasted the back of the forklift twice. The first round sent several pellets bouncing off the concrete, embedding into my leg. Pain rocking me, I didn¡¯t notice the second blast strike the fuel tank above me.


    No, kiddies, this isn¡¯t a movie. Lead pellets hitting a fuel tank don¡¯t make it explode. Instead, you find your butt sitting in fuel as it spills down the forklift and spreads across the floor.


    My options at this point were to die a fiery death when someone tossed their lighter this way. Or I could die in a hail of bullets. However, I didn¡¯t get to decide when I noticed the small flame of a lighter sailing toward me. I frantically limped across the open floor toward a nearby crate as the flames shot upward amid more bullets flying. The blue flame was following me as the fuel slid toward the closest crate near me.


    The guardian angels apparently heard my prayers since I made it without additional holes in my body. However, I left the other loaded revolver by the flaming machinery, and I¡¯ve only got a few shots left in my .45 before I must reload. Also, my position isn¡¯t any better now. The flames are giving my enemies better light to aim at me.


    As if to prove the point, a bullet strikes a couple of inches away from my head. The wood splinters and I hear Antonio order his men to surround me.


    ¡°Kill him before that dope goes up in flames, you damn fools!¡±


    I glance at the crate and realize that I forgot about the drugs. So, my little black book was accurate again. Too bad the damn thing probably got me killed, I thought. I shot toward one henchman trying to flank me. My accuracy is getting worse, then I noticed that I¡¯m getting dizzy.


    When I look at the trail of blood following me in the firelight, the reason becomes obvious. It looks like Johnny might have killed me with his knife. My scattered thoughts tell me that I¡¯m losing too much blood as the dizziness returned with an overwhelming certainty. I slid down on my butt next to the crate as an unyielding lethargy took hold. The sudden quiet filling the warehouse gradually sinks in. I glimpse over my shoulder at the men slowly emerging from the shadows. It¡¯s clear they no longer consider me a threat. Even Antonio has a smile on his ugly face when he sees my vain attempt to point my gun at him. The .45 drops from my hand as I hear a distant whirring sound. My brain wants to believe it¡¯s a police siren, but I can¡¯t believe it. Instead, I thought of two women sitting in a hotel. Their lovely faces fill my vision. The truth is, I¡¯m ashamed that I can¡¯t keep my promise.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± I¡¯m not sure if I spoke the words to the images in my head.


    I guess that I¡¯ll soon find out what Hell is really like!

 Chapter 31 - You Bad Boy

    ¡°Mr. Kennicott, you¡¯ve surpassed my expectations. You have my congratulations.¡±


    I want to sleep, but the familiar voice raises my neck hair.


    No, it can¡¯t be!


    ¡°Come now, I know you¡¯re awake. You¡¯ve had seven days of rest. You should be grateful for my presence.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you, bitch! Go away. I¡¯m tired of your shit.¡± I smile when I talk to the image of Miss Wonderful in my head.


    Instantly, I scream in agony as my entire body feels like it¡¯s melting. Even as I¡¯m crying out, I keep saying the same thing.


    ¡°Fuck you, just die!¡±


    My eyes finally open when the pain stops. I see the bitch standing in the corner of an unfamiliar room. She has a smile on her face but it¡¯s not friendly. Despite wearing what looks like a bad cosplay costume, a guise to appear like the Queen of Hearts, she still looks pretty hot. Long tawny hair that I remember, along with her piercing eyes. I didn¡¯t remember them being two different colors, one green and the other blue.


    So, she¡¯s a heterochromia!


    She also kept the erotic image that I recalled by exposing plenty of cleavage, enhanced by her costume while her long legs showed nicely below her short skirt.


    Yeah, she¡¯s a slut.


    Her two gorilla men are standing on either side of her. My first time getting a good view of them, I noticed they had a horn coming out of the front of their head.


    Yeah, perfect for this place.


    In a way, I wasn¡¯t surprised. I was just fed up. If this be Hell, then fuck it.


    When I turn my head, the little movement hurts. Just lifting my arm fills me with pain, which extends to my injured shoulder that is bandaged up tight. I see one leg out of the cover with multiple dressings where someone removed the pellets from the shotgun blast.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked while checking out the hospital bed, which accounts for why I¡¯m nearly sitting up.


    Her expression flashed at my response.


    ¡°Look, you can burn me or crush me or whatever,¡± I continued as I gave her my best annoyed look. ¡°I get it, I¡¯m in Hell. So, what the fuck do you want to keep toying with me for?¡±


    Miss Wonderful snorted at my outburst, and her genuine laughter shocked me. When she finished, her eyes went back to the wicked look of a cat with its prey.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re quite funny. I¡¯m here because you survived your test. That¡¯s the reason for my congratulations, since you¡¯re the first survivor out of five attempts.¡±


    My slack jaw and stare at her come from something that I recalled. Many times, I asked a question only to find the person gave the same answer multiple times to Lane before. Also, it explains the reasons for my multiple ill-fitting suits. It could only mean that she had five people become Lane Dagger.


    ¡°What happened to the others?¡± I suspected the answer when I asked, but I wanted to know the extent of her evil.


    ¡°They died, usually from trusting the wrong people. I brought them into my world for them to fix an error. Unfortunately, they failed me.¡±


    Her matter-of-fact reply didn¡¯t ease my concerns.


    ¡°Ok, you can leave then.¡±


    I scanned the room after I got the strong feeling that it wasn¡¯t Hell. It was spotless and white. A glance out of the window shows me trees and houses.


    Unexpectedly, she stepped next to the bed and my butt crawled away to keep my distance from her. The pain in my lower half brought a few tears to start.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°I have a job for you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m employed at staying away from crazy demons who kidnap me.¡±


    My body is getting ready for the next painful attack from this bitch. Instead, she reached over and took my hand. I wanted to resist, but I also wanted to keep the hand attached to my arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad that you don¡¯t trust people. However, I¡¯m in need of your help. There was a reason that I picked you.¡± Her voice drew me in a bit more and I shook my head to clear her influence.


    ¡°So, what are you? A succubus or something?¡±


    She stared at me with a pout on her red lips.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m much more powerful. You shouldn¡¯t make me angry. It¡¯s not good for your health.¡±


    I chuckled.


    ¡°Like what you¡¯ve done so far to me is better? Quit beating around the bush here. You want something, well, so do I. Send me back to my home and I¡¯ll think about helping you.¡±


    That smile of a predator came back to her face.


    ¡°Are you sure that you¡¯re able to bargain? Why would you want to return? You have a loving wife here. You¡¯ve got another woman falling for you. You¡¯re a well-known detective, and you¡¯ve just destroyed an infamous gangster.¡±


    The woman drew closer to me, giving me a splendid view of her cleavage again.


    ¡°I watched your performance. Do you realize you smile when you¡¯re in the middle of a gunfight?¡± Her eyes lit up at the description. ¡°Look deep inside, Sebastian. Isn¡¯t your experience better here? Do you wish to return to working part time and looking for non-existent girlfriends in college?¡±


    Damn, she would bring those things up!


    I let out a deep breath, realizing that I¡¯m not unhappy here, at least when I¡¯m not being shot at. The idea that I smiled while close to death struck me as psychotic, so I tried to dismiss the thought. But that I¡¯m willing to help stick my neck out could be that I don¡¯t believe that I can die here.


    Is that because I have a damn death wish?


    Maybe deep down, I see myself much like the surrounding characters. It¡¯s dangerously na?ve when I consider that possibility. Still, I¡¯m tired of this manipulation.


    ¡°You kidnap me, shove me here without telling me about this place.¡± I pulled my hand away from hers. ¡°I nearly die twice just trying to leave to help people and you caused it all. I know you don¡¯t give a damn about me, so give me a reason to help you. You¡¯ve only shown me threats, agony, and near death. Otherwise, you can go to hell.¡±


    I¡¯m waiting for her to go extreme. As I watch her, those predator eyes narrow and I expect that my suffering will get just as crazy as her. Instead, she gives me a grin like she expected this.


    ¡°Maybe you deserve some answers. After all, you changed the direction of several familiars in Stull Junction. That you¡¯ve rearranged things for yourself shows me you¡¯re the person I need. So, what do you wish to know?¡±


    ¡°Where am I? What is this place?¡±


    She scooched closer, leaning against my arm. Her actions made me grimace from my outraged muscles.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see how I can explain it,¡± she paused while gathering her thoughts.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start with Stull Junction. It is my domain, a place I created so many years ago. At first, this was nothing more than a dream I had. I carved out a fantasy in my head, a spot where I escaped from the drudgery of my existence,¡± she said. ¡°As a spiritualist, I dealt with many seeking to contact the higher plane. Then, I decided to give myself such a place. Mind you, I didn¡¯t realize that the physical reality could come from my visions. However, as I developed my studies into the Laws of Nature, I noticed something of a truth. It¡¯s clear that we exist both in the seen and unseen planes. Stull Junction resides in the unseen realm.¡±


    She looked at my expression. I had the idea she wanted me to be surprised.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little late to surprise me, given what¡¯s happened so far,¡± I said. ¡°Are you talking about a different dimension?¡±


    My interest peaked at the rational idea that I thought about.


    ¡°I suppose you could call it that, but there is a link between worlds,¡± the woman stated. ¡°After all, a spiritualist can easily become a theurgist, then an enchanter.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a theurgist?¡± I interrupted, trying to keep this on the rational side.


    She smiled mischievously.


    ¡°It comes from the Greek, meaning divine work. It¡¯s a collaboration between a mortal and a godhead. In simple terms, it¡¯s the invocation of henosis or uniting with the divine with spiritual practices.¡±


    My skepticism suddenly came out as I frowned.


    ¡°Are you saying this is magic?¡±


    The woman laughed.


    ¡°A simple mind will use the word magic to talk about what it cannot understand. A scientist will not study what it cannot measure, yet they will use mathematics to formulate the many-worlds theory. I simply create a rift between the seen and the unseen dimensions. Once you enter my domain, your mind expands to see the unseen realm. In fact, your mind comes to accept this realm just like those which exists all around you.¡±


    My head ached like it did in my philosophy class. I shook my head, still unconvinced.


    ¡°Then, aside from some type of magical world, I¡¯m interacting with unseen spirits. You¡¯re telling me that Adele and the others are nothing more than figments of my imagination.¡±


    ¡°No, a familiar is either unseen or seen. They exist just like any dimension. It¡¯s up to the person who recognizes them,¡± she said with an air of mystery. I shook my head at the nonsensical answer.


    ¡°Then, I deduce the boundary must be the city limits,¡± I said to keep things on track.


    ¡°Yes, my soul is powerful enough to maintain this city because I made a deal. But I¡¯m not omnipotent.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m betting you didn¡¯t make a deal with a god?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I did. In fact, in some ways I am a god,¡± the woman smiled at the idea.


    Talk about an ego, I thought. Then again, having your own world isn¡¯t something you see every day.


    ¡°By the way, what the hell do I call you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember my name? You bad boy,¡± she teased me, slapping me on my chest as I winced.

 Chapter 32 Why Do You Want to Rip Out My Heart?

    ¡°My name is Cora Veronica Elder,¡± she stated with pride. ¡°As you will learn, I was famous in the past within the world you recall. I gave readings to queens and kings. I was the toast of spiritual societies throughout the world and even helped to establish one in the United States.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I retired into my world. However, someone betrayed me. Now my presence is like a ghost wrapped up in an enigma. My spirit oversees my domain and I only let those worthy enter or leave.¡±


    Of course, that memory pissed me off, and I pointed it out.


    ¡°You had to stay in Stull Junction,¡± she said without apology. ¡°How else could you finish your work with Antonio? Once you left, there were no guarantees that you¡¯d return. After all, you have little incentive to come back with a rich wife standing next to you.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you might have a point. But what about Adele and Sally? They look exactly like movies stars back in the thirties, but Adele didn¡¯t even recognize herself when I showed her a picture at the movie theater.¡±


    Cora rose from the bed.


    ¡°That¡¯s because she¡¯s a familiar. Those living here come from memory and fantasy. Think of it this way: when someone watches a movie, are those characters real or not? Inside your mind, they¡¯re authentic enough for you to fantasize about their actions or sympathize with their emotions.¡± Cora twirled around like she was dancing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always loved the movies, even from the earliest days when you read the captions. When you come here to my dimension, the unseen images come to life, so to speak. Most people you see are familiars. But they¡¯re not under my control.¡±


    ¡°I was right. They¡¯re nothing more than characters.¡± My self-satisfied smile caused her to chuckle.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty sure of yourself. However, what does your concept of characters entail? You realize that this world isn¡¯t a video game dredged up by programmers, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You forget I went to your time and other times in the modern world. I¡¯ve seen the games that people play. Nothing more than a technology without a soul,¡± she scoffed. ¡°My domain is spiritual and tied to the reality of a time in the past. Those in it follow their hearts, carry an independent will, fall in love, have babies, and die. You only survived because of a familiar who donated blood to replace the amount that you lost.¡±


    Her words made me pause.


    ¡°Are you saying that they are alive like me? How is such a thing possible?¡±


    ¡°The philosopher Socrates said that true wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. I agree with his assessment that the soul¡¯s ability to nourish itself lies in the heart.¡±


    Cora gave me a bemused smile that irritated me. I glared at her because she didn¡¯t give me a straight answer.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put this philosophy crap aside,¡± I growled. ¡°Since I¡¯m here, what do you really want if I¡¯ve passed this damn test of yours?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s simple. Someone killed me and disposed of my body. I want you to find the body and identify who killed me. Otherwise, this dimension disappears, and you will disappear with it.¡±


    To say I found myself in complete shock at the idea is an understatement. Someone asked me to find their killer, or their world disappeared.


    I looked at Cora, trying to decide if I accepted the idea that her dimension depended on me. So, I went for the obvious question.


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about? You have a body right here.¡±


    ¡°No, like I said, I¡¯m a spirit with certain powers. Someone murdered me, then they disposed of my corpse. But my power fades faster with each passing of the sun. It¡¯s necessary for me to enter the next dimension soon.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you figure it out? You own this place from what you told me.¡±


    The woman shook her head.


    ¡°No, I own nothing. Stull Junction comes from many sources beyond my capabilities. Each outsider who arrives imprints their own beliefs and fantasies into this realm. Beyond that, I have no memories of the evening. I supposed that¡¯s not unexpected, since that occurred on the day of my first passing. Of course, I have a pretty good idea about the culprits involved, but I can¡¯t control outsiders or familiars. Only those who I¡¯ve brought here can I control with my spiritual power. Even if I remove those that killed me, I can¡¯t retrieve my body.¡±


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    I shook my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re forgetting that I¡¯m not a detective. I¡¯m just a college student you forced into this damn place. Why didn¡¯t you get a real detective?¡±


    ¡°But I did, four times, as a matter of fact. Each one of them was working as either a policeman or a private detective. They came from the world of outsiders, the same place I brought you from.¡± She walked around the bed and placed her finger on my nose to emphasize the fact.


    ¡°You caught my attention with your bragging that night in the tavern. And I was correct. You figured out how to take down a notorious villain created for this city. So, you¡¯re the right person for the job.¡±


    Cora¡¯s confidence struck me as childish.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± I moved her hand from my face. ¡°First off, those things I discovered about this place come from the notes of at least one of these Lane Dagger¡¯s that you brought here. And you still haven¡¯t explained about this dimension disappearing.¡±


    She patted me on my injured shoulder, nearly bringing me to tears.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I forget mortals feel pain like that.¡± She smiled, and I knew she didn¡¯t really forget. ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s enough for now. I need to get back. It¡¯s playtime at my house and the boys need their fun.¡± She walked over to her demons and turned back to me.


    ¡°When you get released from this place, come see me. I¡¯m at the top of the hill.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think I¡¯ll do this?¡±


    The bitch grinned and placed her index finger on her lips playfully.


    ¡°Because you like a challenge. Anyway, you don¡¯t have a choice, do you? Now be nice. You have visitors coming.¡±


    Miss Wonderful blew me a kiss and her figure suddenly turned into a flat, two-dimensional image. The large men with horns did the same thing. Those two-dimensional figures slid into the corner of the room, and I watched them disappear into the wall. It appeared that the wall itself sucked them into it.


    Immediately, the door to my room opened, and I saw Adele, followed by Sally and Shane O¡¯Conner.


    ¡°You look like hell,¡± Adele said as she stayed by the door. Sally paused behind her, then came around with the ex-cop.


    ¡°She¡¯s right about that,¡± Shane agreed with a smile. ¡°As you can see, they¡¯re back.¡±


    I looked at them and told them I was fuzzy about things.


    ¡°What happened? I woke up just a few minutes ago.¡±


    O¡¯Conner threw his hat on the end of the bed and came around to the other side.


    ¡°Winton arrived with his guys and arrested Antonio, you dunce. He and his gang are behind bars with charges a mile long. I came along with them to make sure you were still alive.¡±


    He glanced at Adele and frowned.


    ¡°Anyway, we got an ambulance for you after seeing several buckets of blood on the floor. Somehow you hung on. The D.A. is on cloud nine. He hit the jackpot with the heroin in there...¡± he paused. ¡°Well, you are not getting charged, even though some of the dead had bullets from your gun. That was self-defense by the textbook.¡±


    The tension in the room remained high and I could tell something was off. I looked at Adele, and she remained silent.


    ¡°Alright, what are you not telling me? Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that Antonio is in jail?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s great,¡± Sally said. ¡°I¡¯m really thankful for that...¡± She hesitated. ¡°The thing is, that there might be charges from what happened at my house with Joe.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Everyone remained silent, and I got pissed off with the hide and seek going on.


    ¡°Damn it, somebody talk to me?¡±


    O¡¯Conner spoke up after rubbing his head.


    ¡°I heard that the D.A. is coming after you for shooting up the neighborhood when you got Sally out of there. Since Joe got shot, some neighbors are saying you took the law into your hands when you shot Antonio¡¯s man. They have a witness who claims the guy was unarmed.¡±


    ¡°Lane, it¡¯s a lie,¡± Sally interjected.


    I nodded with relief.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, you saw it!¡± However, I paused when I saw her hurt expression.


    ¡°You were driving, so you didn¡¯t see it, is that it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I should have told them I saw you defending yourself,¡± she looked away.


    ¡°Hell, don¡¯t get so worked up. I¡¯ll find a talented lawyer and it¡¯ll be fine.¡± I looked at Adele, still trying to understand the obvious distance.


    ¡°Say, I¡¯m sure that you and your wife need to talk. I¡¯ll take Mrs. Vaugh to a hotel,¡± O¡¯Conner offered.


    Sally agreed and said goodbye as they left. I watched Adele, who unconsciously clinched, then unclenched her hand several times.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrapped tighter than a guitar string. What¡¯s going on?¡± I finally asked.


    ¡°I want you to sign those divorce papers,¡± she replied.


    ¡°And the hits keep on coming,¡± I mused as my head fell back into the pillow.


    Silence filled the room. I moved my position since one leg felt numb and sucked in some air at the pain in my shoulder. I looked over to speak, and I saw her upset expression.


    ¡°So, now you hate me again just when I think I¡¯ve fixed the problems. I swear, I¡¯ll never understand women.¡±


    ¡°No Lane, it¡¯s quite the opposite.¡± Her words were nearly a whisper. Adele kept her focus on the floor.


    ¡°The truth is that I can¡¯t stand the thought of what¡¯s coming next. I¡¯ll be the one getting the visit from the police to go to the morgue so they can identify your body.¡± She started playing with her purse. ¡°Every night since I got the news, I can¡¯t stop thinking about the blood and pain I witnessed on the train. Then, I came into this room when we got back, and I saw how near death you looked. It nearly broke me, Lane. Every day I waited, hoping that you¡¯d wake up with that childish grin. Now, I see you with your black and blue face, wearing all those bandages...It¡¯s not fair...¡±


    Adele paused. Then she had a question for me.


    ¡°Why do you want to rip out my heart?¡±


    I¡¯ll say this about Adele¡¯s words. They really struck me hard. Sure, I¡¯m still reeling a bit from Cora¡¯s revelations about this place. But I finally realized the full extent of my selfishness.


    Handing out pain like candy to someone who doesn¡¯t deserve such things seems like it¡¯s been my forte since I arrived. Certainly, no programed character could find the depth of emotions that I witnessed. It was clear that I wanted these people around me to act like NPC¡¯s, to remain devoid of passions and feelings so I could do the same.


    Keeping that attitude makes my decisions easy for me. After all, there¡¯s no reason to worry about the ramifications for someone who¡¯s not real. If you never say you love or care for someone, then it doesn¡¯t matter if you screw them around. It¡¯s the perfect game. Yet, Adele came around because of my attention. She held feelings for a jerk, then came back to the man she fell in love with. She certainly deserved better, but I used her to achieve my desires with no real consideration.


    It seems that makes me the perfectly real asshole, Lane Dagger.

 Chapter 33 Do You Believe in Ghosts?

    I carefully slid my wounded leg to the edge of the bed, then did the same for the other one. Refusing to concede to the pain coming from my wounds and aching muscles, I positioned myself in a sitting position at the edge of the bed. Adele heard my movement and looked at me, then rushed closer, trying to keep me from falling on my face.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She grabbed my good arm to support me.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting into a position to talk with you,¡± I said through gritted teeth. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯m a damn invalid. What I have to say is to make sure you know that I¡¯m not looking for your sympathy. Give me a second.¡±


    After taking a few deep breaths, the pain subsided enough for me to focus.


    ¡°Now look at me in the eyes,¡± I told her. She did, her emotions clearly ready to flood out. I reached up and softly touched her cheek.


    ¡°Truth be told, I¡¯m not good for you. I guess that¡¯s what you¡¯re really witnessing for the first time.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not...¡±


    ¡°Hear me out,¡± I interrupted her. ¡°As you¡¯ve noticed, Lane Dagger¡¯s changed. In many ways, I¡¯m not the man you married.¡±


    I can say that for sure!


    ¡°The problem is that I can¡¯t I tell you why I can¡¯t leave this place, or why I bleed tears and feel like I¡¯m dying in pain. Truly, I don¡¯t know the real reason. But I¡¯ve got ideas. However, if I tell you what I¡¯ve experienced, you¡¯ll think I¡¯m crazier than the damn Mad Hatter. It¡¯s too ridiculous for a sane person to consider,¡± I explained as a grin crept to my face. ¡°Well, maybe I am nuts. Anyway, I¡¯m stuck here.¡±


    Adele¡¯s confused expression mixed with anxiety.


    ¡°Recently, I discovered a few things about who¡¯s doing this. No matter what, I¡¯m forced to take what¡¯s coming. I don¡¯t have a choice and it makes me angry.¡±


    Sure, she believes I need mental treatment now.


    ¡°I know that what I¡¯m saying doesn¡¯t make sense, but I can give you good news. You¡¯re not stuck in Stull Junction. You can go anywhere, and I want that for you. If you don¡¯t want me, I understand. I¡¯ll sign that damn paperwork. Hell, I won¡¯t take another dime from you. You warrant much better than I can give you.¡±


    Her eyes searched mine. Suddenly, she hugged me tight enough to take the pain to a new level. I grunted, then she stopped squeezing me and apologized.


    ¡°You¡¯re really too much. Just when I think I understand, you turn around and hit me with something else.¡± Her lips trembled as she kept her eyes fixed on mine. ¡°But you don¡¯t have faith in me and that hurts me terribly.¡±


    I shook my head, trying to tell her she was wrong, but she pressed her fingers to my lips.


    ¡°No, I mean it,¡± Adele continued. ¡°While the things you¡¯ve done, I don¡¯t agree with, you¡¯ve amazed me. Yes, you¡¯ve kept your promises since that night. But I¡¯m so anxious because you take such risks without even realizing the suffering I must endure. Love can¡¯t be a one-way street. It makes me wonder if you don¡¯t care for me.¡± She brought her hands up to my unshaven cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you what I¡¯m going through, so why can¡¯t you tell me the truth? I don¡¯t care if it sounds crazy.¡±


    Love, how in the hell do I go there?


    After telling her to sit next to me, I put my good arm around Adele¡¯s shoulders. It took me a bit to get started since raw feelings continued sweeping inside of me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been great at expressing my emotions, but I do care for you. That¡¯s why I wanted you out of this city when things blew up,¡± I explained honestly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stand it to see you hurt.¡±


    Hell, I recognized I wanted Adele with me. I just couldn¡¯t figure out an emotion called love.


    Aren¡¯t love and lust two sides of the same coin?


    The questions that I never asked shot through my mind faster than I could keep up.


    Would I take Adele back to my world?


    Hell, yeah, in a heartbeat.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Would I stay here for her sake?


    That¡¯s the million-dollar question, isn¡¯t it?


    Then, I remember Cora calling them familiars.


    Would Adele stay with me when I go back?


    I have no fucking idea but screw it, I¡¯m on this path against the world.


    Adele¡¯s next question cut to the core.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t really love me, do you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± I said. ¡°But I want you to be happy. Can you have that with me? Look at what you¡¯ve just went through.¡±


    Nice fucking diversion, you asshole!


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± she admitted. ¡°At times I believe it, then I get confused.¡± Adele carefully rested her head on my shoulder. ¡°Your actions don¡¯t help. I can¡¯t believe how different you¡¯ve become, even when you treat me better. Still, I want to believe in you. That¡¯s why it¡¯s important that you trust me.¡±


    A chuckle came to me as I thought about my last week filled with frustration, danger, near-death, and amazing sex. The strange part was I found everything about this experience exhilarating, kind of like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane with a parachute.


    ¡°I¡¯m living a topsy-turvy existence,¡± I stammered out thoughts as they entered my head. ¡°Truth is that I didn¡¯t think I would get out of the last scrape alive. All I can remember before passing out was telling you I was sorry that I couldn¡¯t keep my promise. But it hurts more to hear you say that I¡¯m the one ripping out your heart.¡±


    I felt a lurching inside my heart when I confided something deep that I didn¡¯t expect to say aloud. A tear came down her cheek, landing on my thumb, and I kissed her forehead. It helped me make my decision.


    ¡°Alright, if you want the truth, let me ask you this question. Do you know of a mansion at the top of the hill in this town?¡±


    ¡°You mean the Elder house?¡± Adele lifted her head, giving me an expression that I should know the place.


    She knows the mansion!


    ¡°What do you know about the place?¡± I tempered down my hopes.


    ¡°Well, I heard that¡¯s the founder¡¯s home. Mrs. Edler¡¯s family is the founder of the city. She carried a lot of weight here.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a family?¡±


    ¡°Well, I never met them, but I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s a woman and her two brothers. Why are they so important? They went missing earlier this year after a festival. I think someone moved in there afterward.¡±


    Of course, that statement threw me for a loop. Maybe it shouldn¡¯t since Cora warned me, but it¡¯s hard to believe everything. Miss Wonderful needs her body back and someone takes over her mansion.


    No coincidence there.


    ¡°Please tell me why this is so important. How can it affect you?¡±


    I put my hand to her cheek.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to understand. Do you believe in ghosts?¡±


    Hell yeah, I used a cheat. It was the only thing that I could come up with that might explain something without people thinking I was totally nuts. Using the cover story that Cora Elder¡¯s ghost causes my problems might be the best way to explain over telling her the truth.


    First, saying that I came from another time and place would send Adele running to the doctors. On the other hand, if I told Adele that I saw Cora with two demons before they disappeared through a wall in my room, she might have me put in a mental hospital. So, I went with the safest option by pulling out the idea of ghosts. They don¡¯t put you in the insane asylum for that.


    Obviously, I needed more information. The little black book failed me on this when remembered the pages. I knew another meeting with Miss Wonderful was coming. And I intended to have Adele with me. If she¡¯s a familiar, she needed to know what that meant for her and me. Judging from Adele¡¯s expression as she put her head back on my shoulder, she only judged me half-crazy.


    At least she didn¡¯t reject the idea.


    ~~~


    Another day passed before I finally got out of the hospital. That morning, Adele arrived holding a new suit so I could leave the hospital. Her white shirtwaist dress with a red collar and cuffs matched with her red felt beret. I had to admit, women dressed eloquently in the time.


    After I got dressed, she looked me over with approval. Then, she put my coat over my shoulders since I wore a sling for my arm. Everything fit as expected, and I jokingly asked her if she took my measurements while I was asleep. The woman blushed when she admitted it was what happened. We both laughed when she explained how the nurse gave me a sedative before it happened and worked with Adele to get the measurements.


    She¡¯s more devious than I thought.


    As she drove me in her car, I heard the local radio station playing a song that I didn¡¯t recognize. Of course, the big band sound was nothing like the heavy metal that I liked, but the women¡¯s harmony made a catchy tune. My gaze out the window followed the line of houses as we drove through a neighborhood of white houses with white picket fences. The peaceful scene made me think about the future.


    Adele told me that Winton no longer planned on bringing charges after me over the thug¡¯s death at the Vaugh¡¯s home. It appeared that he determined that Antonio used his connections with a corrupt cop to pin something on me. I was thankful for the news.


    When the car bottomed out going through a dip in the road, I noticed most of the pain in my body subsided. Aside from the black and blue marks, along with stitches in my leg and shoulder, I looked somewhat like my old self.


    Suddenly, I had a thought about Stull Junction and the outside world. Asking Adele about her time in Sacramento and back, she gave me the details. They spent two nights in the hotel before Shane O¡¯Conner tracked them down. Sally appeared to be recovering from her trauma, which made me feel better. When Adele told me about her anxiety waiting to learn about my fate, I apologized again.


    One thing I learned is the timelines between this dimension and the real world appear synchronized. Frowning, I wondered how much control Cora held over the seen and unseen realms. Sure, she came to my world, only to put me here. Still, the idea that Cora could not stop her own death with such power seemed farfetched.


    Why not go back before the event happened? Hell, they do that in the movies all the time. Even better, she could send her demons after the culprits to force a confession for her body¡¯s location. Still, she stated she had no power over familiars, so the only one who¡¯s affected by her appears to be me alone. A nagging thought came to me.


    What if Cora is not as powerful as she seems?

 Chapter 34 - My Automatic Typewriter Comes Into Focus

    A few days later, I¡¯m sitting at my office in the morning working on my writing since I¡¯m still recovering. The bruising is still showing and my stitches itch, but I¡¯m alive.


    Discovering Alice is a kind of automatic typewriter changes my perception of the future. Now, I¡¯m just telling her my story and the machine pecks away. When we first worked together, I found a lot of wasted time when I needed to stop and think the story through. To make things easier, I hand wrote the stories at home, then put them on Alice¡¯s desk when I walked in.


    While getting this idea of becoming a radio playwright and producer is the goal, I realize my big problem is my lack of contacts in the industry. It¡¯s something I¡¯m still trying to work out a plan around.


    Oh, there¡¯s one other thing that¡¯s new about my invisible secretary. She¡¯s not so invisible now. Yeah, I know it¡¯s crazy sounding, but when I entered the office after recovering from my injuries, I found someone sitting at Alice¡¯s desk.


    Well, it wasn¡¯t clear that it was a person, more like the outline of a person. You see, Alice now looks a bit like the two-dimensional images of Cora and her demon friends I witnessed when they left my hospital room. The difference is that her outline is a blue aura with enough definition to show me she¡¯s a female with the hint of a pretty face and body. The great thing about this change is I can hear and speak with her without the need for the intercom box. My only concern is what she¡¯ll do when I close the office.


    Yeah, I¡¯m getting used to being worried about these familiars, as Cora calls them.


    As for my home life, I¡¯m happily fucking Adele every night and some mornings in her bid to become pregnant. The truth is that I¡¯m not really looking to be a dad, but I am a curious idiot at the same time.


    Can I have kids in this dimension? Cora mentioned it happened.


    I tell myself that if it makes Adele happy, then I¡¯m alright with it, so I guess that¡¯s love in a way.


    Yesterday, Cora stopped by with a few moments of pain in my mind to remind me not to forget her problems. So, Miss Wonderful¡¯s problem went to the top of my list even though I still had stitches in my shoulder.


    Fortunately, Adele volunteered to work at the library when it opened. My wife¡¯s delighted interest in the idea showed that I had a new assistant to focus on the Elders and other things concerning the events of her disappearance. It seemed to be Adele¡¯s way of keeping me on the right track to quit my work as a shamus.


    I¡¯m sure it beats her hanging out alone at the apartment all day.


    The phone rang, interrupting my story work and making Alice stop typing.


    ¡°Lane Dagger¡¯s Office, can I help you?¡± she said in her sexy voice.


    She turned her head to me and put her hazy looking hand over one end of the handset.


    ¡°Sally Vaugh would like to talk with you.¡±


    Nodding, I pointed to my office as I walked back. Closing the door behind me, I went to my desk and picked up the handset when it rang.


    ¡°Hello Sally, how are you doing?¡±


    There was a pause, then Sally responded.


    ¡°Lane, would it be alright to invite you to my office for lunch? I¡¯d like to speak with you if you have time today.¡±


    My mind scrambled for a reason that she wanted to talk, but I accepted the idea.


    ¡°Sure, I don¡¯t have any plans,¡± I said, after looking at my new watch that Adele picked up for me. ¡°I¡¯ll drop by at noon if that works?¡±


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    Sally agreed, and I hung up. I sat at my desk, thinking about her. The last time I noticed the haunted look in her expression. Hoping she was doing better, I heard someone enter the outer office. A moment later, there was a knock on my door. I told them to enter, and Jeffrey came in with a serious look on his face. He laid the morning paper on my desk.


    ¡°Is Alice taking care of you?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± his face beamed, then leaned close to whisper.


    ¡°She¡¯s a doll. How¡¯d you get her as a secretary?¡±


    ¡°Alice came with the office,¡± I chuckled.


    The kid frowned. I thought it was my joke.


    ¡°Say, Mr. Dagger, have you still got Antonio¡¯s men gunning for you?¡±


    I cocked my head in surprise at the question.


    ¡°Why are you asking?¡±


    The young man stepped to the closed shades by at the window and pointed down to the street below.


    ¡°Something caught my attention as I was coming over,¡± he said. ¡°If you look across the street, there¡¯s a guy in a gray hat that¡¯s been hanging out on that bench seat under Charlie¡¯s awning. He¡¯s been there a couple of days.


    I got up, then used my finger to pull the shade aside to peek out at the sidewalk across the street. Sure enough, the man sat there outside of the delicatessen. He wore a blue pinstripe suit while holding a newspaper in his hands. Even from my vantage point, he didn¡¯t seem interested in the stories. The man below certainly looked like a thug that Antonio would hire. Big arms and belly, the man carried an imposing attitude that I could see from the distance.


    ¡°Did you sell him the paper?¡± I asked after going back to my desk.


    ¡°Yeah, I noticed him come by my spot down the street. He¡¯s wearing a black bowler hat which caught my eye. Thing is, I¡¯ve seen him before twice a while back.¡±


    I scowled at the news after hoping that Antonio might just leave me alone. Hell, I¡¯m not even a witness against him. Then again, I¡¯m probably number one on his revenge list.


    ¡°You saw this guy before, huh? Do you remember any more like if he¡¯s a local or not?¡± I rubbed my chin. ¡°I thought Antonio had enough problems since the cops shut down his operations.¡±


    In fact, O¡¯Conner told me that some of Antonio¡¯s hoodlums were gunning to take over his spot. Jeffrey came over to the desk and leaned against it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s local. My guess is that he¡¯s from back East. I remember that guy on the sidewalk was talking to a local guy, a lawyer I¡¯ve seen around town.¡±


    ¡°Lawyer, maybe Hyde?¡± I thought aloud.


    ¡°No, everybody knows that guy. Especially since he¡¯s gonna lose against the D.A. now. I just don¡¯t remember the name off the top. He¡¯s one of those lawyers that likes rich widows. You know the type.¡±


    The kid tapped his head with a roll up newspaper.


    No way, I thought as an image came to me. It was the first lawyer I met in Stull Junction.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a guy named Lloyd Childress, was it?¡±


    Jeffrey¡¯s expression brightened.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the one, small guy with a handlebar mustache. He was talking with two men, and one of them was that man on the bench. I didn¡¯t hear what they were talking about.¡±


    I nodded and told him thanks for the heads up. The kid took off, and I watched him with a grin when he nearly ran into the door while staring at Alice on the way out of the office.


    Well, the rat came back with help; I thought when I went back to the window and peered out the window. The man remained sitting, occasionally glancing at the front of my building. The fact that I had someone, probably working for Lloyd, watching the building, pissed me off. I knew the weasel was gunning for Adele¡¯s money, and I threw a monkey wrench in his plans. However, I couldn¡¯t understand why he¡¯d have someone follow me unless he thought I was cheating on Adele. However, another thought came to me about what Miss Wonderful said at the hospital.


    Cora mentioned that the men taken from reality and placed here before me had died. That brought me to the point of wondering if Lloyd had a part of those deaths. Thinking back to when we first met, his fear at meeting me seemed overblown. I mean, it wasn¡¯t like Lane Dagger didn¡¯t know Lloyd was pumping Adele at night. He just didn¡¯t care.


    Maybe Lane got killed and Lloyd wasn¡¯t expecting a new Lane to show up at the door.


    Trust me, the idea sounds crazy when I thought about it. But it¡¯s no more irrational than bleeding from my eyes or seeing three people disappear through a solid wall. After all, I¡¯m in the land of looney tunes, otherwise known as Stull Junction.


    It sounds like I need to play offense soon!


    A smile comes to my face as a plan develops. I don¡¯t want Adele to worry, but I need the truth from Lloyd. If he knocked off my predecessors, then I have to become very careful and find out who he works for. But, at the end of the day, I¡¯ll won¡¯t care much if Lloyd can¡¯t play in this game anymore. As far as I¡¯m concerned, he¡¯s among the characters who will receive no sympathy from me.


    After looking through the little black book, I found the name and number of someone with the ability to help me stage my coming play. Flipping a switch on the intercom, I asked Alice to call the office of Mr. S. B. Bellow. As I waited, I started sketching the layout of a building that I remembered walking by in the rain the night I confronted Antonio. It was time to invite Lloyd to my party. I glanced at my .45 hanging in my holster on my hat rack with an overwhelming sensation that I wanted to avoid using it. Alice told me it took her a couple of hours waiting at the police station to get it back.


    Did I mention how wonderful it is to have a secretary?

 Chapter 35 - Lunch with a Friend

    The ride to Sally¡¯s office didn¡¯t take long. Her company resides in a flat two-story building along one of the main roads out of the city. I found an employee waiting for me at the front door when I walked. An older lady with heavy thighs bulging against her dress held out her hand with a limp wrist handshake.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, I¡¯m Tonya, Mrs. Vaugh¡¯s editor. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet such a local celebrity. My boss asked me to escort you around if you arrived early.¡±


    I smiled politely while sensing a wary vibe coming from this woman wearing a load of makeup and a colorful turban around her head. She walked me through a series of doors to the back of the building. As she regaled me with the history of the company, I discovered a large factory-like room where a large printing press noisily ran. Employees stacked and bundled a line of books coming out of the machines.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re a small publishing house, we produce limited runs of our author¡¯s novels,¡± she explained over the din.


    After a quick trip through the small warehouse, we took a back stairway to the second floor. The sounds of the machinery faded to nothing as we entered a conference room. Sally sat at the head of the long table that took up most of the room.


    ¡°Hello, Lane. I¡¯m so glad you could come over,¡± she said while coming to greet him.


    Sally shook his hand, then gave me an unexpected hug with one arm while Tonya exited the room.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s some greeting,¡± I said. ¡°You have an interesting company. I guess you wanted to talk about your business from the tour I received.¡±


    She pointed to a seat while nodding.


    ¡°Yes, you own a substantial portion of this business, so I knew you needed to see what you purchased.¡±


    As she sat next to me, I immediately noticed her cleavage, nicely defined by the white dress she wore.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s no hurry. I talked to Adele about it. She¡¯s not in a rush. I mean, you¡¯ve got plenty on your plate still.¡± My eyes avoided hers. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t go to Joe¡¯s funeral.¡±


    Sally wrapped her arm around mine and laid her head on my shoulder.


    ¡°You had enough problems just staying alive. You don¡¯t need to apologize. I¡¯ve said my goodbyes and I¡¯m at peace.¡± She lifted her head and gave a weak smile.


    ¡°Like you told me, keep.¡±


    I avoided rolling my eyes at that statement.


    Like I¡¯m the one to give advice!


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m seriously happy that you¡¯re doing better.¡±


    My eyes kept glancing at her smooth, lightly freckled skin leading down to her breasts. The woman¡¯s closeness made me nervous and excited.


    ¡°So, what are we doing for lunch?¡± My question came to divert me from an interesting fantasy coming to mind.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve got an idea,¡± she said playfully, then rose from the chair. ¡°But first I need to give you this.¡±


    Sally went to the other end of the table and picked up a folder. She brought it back and her blue eyes appeared to light up as she spoke.


    ¡°This just needs your signature. It gives you forty percent of the company and lays out the terms of the loan repayment. I had our lawyer draw it up. You mentioned it was Adele¡¯s money, so she¡¯ll need to sign as well. That is, if the terms are agreeable to both of you. We can have the company pay back the money with interest if that¡¯s something you prefer.¡±


    I took the folder and glanced at it. Of course, I¡¯m pretty clueless to how this will work, so my plan is to get Adele involved. Like Sally said, it is my wife¡¯s money.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s get lunch,¡± I replied with a grin.


    Sally smiled, then led me out of the conference room.


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    ~~~


    On the second floor of the Stull Junction library, Adele sat near one of the large windows, scanning the index of a book. She heard the bells from the town square clock and looked out at the column in the distance.


    It¡¯s already noon!


    The woman spent the last three hours going through several stacks of local and California history books which sat on top of the table near her. She knew Lane let her do this research because she insisted. Normally, she would be listening to a soap opera on the radio while debating what Lane might want for dinner. However, Adele found her new work satisfying in a way she hadn¡¯t expected. The musty smell of paper and leather inside the area near the shelves reminded her of a good time. Upton College provided her with intellectual challenge and fond memories.


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    Taking a break from her search for the Elder¡¯s family history, the woman looked through a list of colleges inside a book she discovered in the stacks. Adele adjusted her wristwatch to the time on the clock outside, then looked over the index again with a scowl.


    Why isn¡¯t it here?


    The book of United States colleges had no mention of Upton. She searched the book further and still found no reference for the institution. After several minutes, Adele gave up with a shrug.


    Maybe it merged with another, she wondered. After all, it was a women¡¯s college. The trend lately seemed to be co-educational institutions.


    Adele scowled at the thought, then returned to her earlier work. As she looked over her notes, the woman wondered what the information had to do with Lane.


    How could Cora¡¯s ghost hurt Lane like that?


    She remembered that spiritualism held popularity in the past. Adele recalled her mother talking about going to seances as a child. However, another piece of history came to mind for Adele as well. Several statues bled from their eyes over the centuries. The faithful flocked to witness these miracles.


    She leaned back in her chair and stretched as she considered the thought. Neither Lane nor she held religious convictions. In fact, they married in a civil ceremony. As the woman thought about it, she couldn¡¯t recall seeing a church in Stull Junction. She tilted her head at the thought.


    No, that can¡¯t be right.


    Letting out a deep breath, Adele got up from the table. She planned to return the books she had when she heard a familiar voice whisper to her.


    ¡°Hello sweety. I thought I might find you here,¡± Lloyd Childress walked up with a smile, sitting his hat down on the table.


    Adele glared at him.


    ¡°Why would you think I was here?¡±


    Taken aback by her reaction, Lloyd adjusted the sleeves on his expensive coat as he came close. He gave her his most charming smile.


    ¡°What I meant to say was a friend told me you were here.¡±


    ¡°Lloyd, I¡¯m busy. Is there something you want?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s you, my dear. It¡¯s been frightfully lonely since the last time I¡¯ve seen you. Have you come to your senses yet?¡±


    Adele went back to picking up some of her books. The man frowned when he noticed she started wearing her wedding ring again.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you when you called me the last time that I¡¯m not getting a divorce,¡± Adele continued.


    ¡°Lane already forgave me, and I¡¯ve done the same. I don¡¯t like your continued calls to the apartment.¡± She gave him an icy stare of disapproval.


    The man reached over and took the books from her.


    ¡°Do you really think that a zebra can change his stripes?¡± he whispered while leaning close. ¡°No man can really forgive a cheating wife. I¡¯ve handled dozens of divorces and I can tell you that you¡¯ll only be fooling yourself. You told me he only married you for your fortune. Well, it appears that he has it all unless you get wise to him.¡±


    Adele picked up her notes, trying to ignore him. His point hit close to home. She still harbored some suspicion in the back of her mind. Lloyd picked up on her expression.


    ¡°Adele, you¡¯re a wonderful person with compassion for everyone. However, that makes you a target for unscrupulous people. Now, you¡¯re an intelligent, reasonable person. Tell me you believe he¡¯s changed to improve your life. After all, the way the paper¡¯s reported it, he put you in danger.¡±


    Adele looked over at his spiteful expression.


    ¡°Lloyd, I can guarantee you that Lane Dagger transformed. Lane¡¯s certainly not perfect, but he¡¯s trying. That¡¯s more than you ever attempted.¡±


    ¡°Come now, we¡¯re destined for each other. I don¡¯t need to tell you again that you can be free of him. Make your own life as you told me you wanted. Don¡¯t stop now just because he showed up that night to interrupt our fun.¡±


    She picked up the other stack of books.


    ¡°It¡¯s not wise to bring up a sore point. You should be glad he didn¡¯t take care of you like he did with Antonio¡¯s hoods,¡± the woman smirked.


    Adele noticed the concern wash across his face. It pleased her. She still harbored an uneasy feeling about Lloyd. He practically hinted at knowledge about Lane¡¯s apparent disappearance for several days. That was before Lane suddenly showed up at their apartment that night.


    I can¡¯t believe that I found an interest in this twit.


    She shook her head, knowing that she only sought shelter from the loneliness eating away at her. Lloyd¡¯s attention brought comfort to her in a time of need. Still, he couldn¡¯t compare to Lane in many ways. As she walked away, she smiled to herself.


    ¡°By the way, you¡¯re not getting anywhere with that small thing between your legs,¡± Adele smirked.


    The man dropped the books on the table, his face screwed up in a growing rage.


    Alright, we¡¯ll see who¡¯ll be laughing when I¡¯m finished, he thought.


    ~~~


    Sally drove me several blocks in her new DeSoto before she pulled to a stop at an apartment building. The two-story structure carried a refined, if squat, look on the outside where rounded features adorned the windows. Pale green railings and porthole windows made it look like a ship at certain angles.


    I looked around and saw no other structures that looked like they held a restaurant. She chuckled at my confused expression.


    ¡°My apartment¡¯s here,¡± she explained. ¡°I moved out of the other place. Too many memories that I didn¡¯t want.¡±


    ¡°But why here?¡±


    ¡°Just follow me and find out.¡±


    Inside her place, I discovered an apartment with familiar furnishings and the rounded curves in the windows and doors like her previous house. She pointed me to the art d¨¦co chrome table with matching chairs.


    ¡°I¡¯m making lunch,¡± she stated.


    ¡°Really, you don¡¯t have to go to...¡± I stopped when she glared at me and pointed to the table.


    Sally stepped around the counter into the kitchen. She looked back through the half-round pass-through window separating the rooms. Taking the role of the meek mouse, I took my spot after tossing my hat on another chair.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s a quick, light lunch. I hope you like tuna.¡±


    Looking at the strange design of the salt and pepper shakers, I explained that I¡¯m a sucker for almost any type of food. She grinned while pulling the ingredients together. My mind remained on how to use the shakers. Each of them looked like a kid¡¯s toy airplane.


    ¡°I wanted you here to relax and we can talk about things I want to understand.¡±


    As she worked, she told me about her struggles to come to terms with Joe¡¯s death. Her words started me thinking as well. It¡¯s kind of hard not to consider your own role in a guy¡¯s death. She pushed through two glasses filled with beer on the counter.


    ¡°I could use a drink, so I got you one as well. Can you take them to the table?¡±


    Retrieving the glassware, I asked why she wanted to talk to me.


    ¡°Believe it or not, I consider you a friend,¡± she replied, and I noticed hesitation. ¡°Is that too presumptuous?¡±


    Thinking back to our encounters, I shook my head.


    ¡°No, I think you and I have shared more in a few days than many people who say they¡¯re friends.¡±


    Stepping into the dining room with two plates, Sally nodded with a sad smile.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve shared far more than most people.¡±

 Chapter 36 You’re Too Smooth With Your Words

    I enjoyed my tuna sandwich with Sally. She even added a small block of cheese with carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes to the plate. After pouring me another glass of beer, we talked more about my healing and plans. She explained some of the future she wanted for her company, then our small talk came around to her new car. I noticed her wedding band was missing from her hand. I guess that¡¯s expected. As she stated at the beginning, I enjoyed our time together.


    Sally¡¯s demeanor always held a bit of intrigue and mystery. I found myself drawn into her thoughts and hopes, realizing the woman buried her passions deep. In a way, she was the opposite of Adele. Where Adele displayed a perky, if slightly innocent, beauty, Sally brought a smoldering sexiness to her appeal. Watching her, I couldn¡¯t help but think about the body hiding under her dress.


    ¡°When I spent time with Adele, she reminded me about something that I forgot. While Joe died before his time, I never let him find his own path,¡± she said. ¡°When I was with Adele, she told me about some problems you and her went through. I was envious of how you focused on her to get her back.¡±


    Frowning, my eyes dropped to look at my glass. I didn¡¯t like her making me out as a good person. Actually, I¡¯m a damn jerk using Adele to get back at Miss Wonderful. Sure, I¡¯ve become protective of Adele and I want her as mine, but I¡¯m still the same asshole that entered this dimension.


    ¡°You think too highly of me,¡± I said, while refusing to look at her.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Sally sensed my mood swing. ¡°I watched you two. In your own way, you¡¯re a self-involved jerk.¡± I glanced up to see her smiling.


    ¡°But you care about helping those in need. Still, watching you and your wife got me to thinking. I was most of the reason that my marriage became a farce. He wasn¡¯t going to change, and I should have pressed for him to leave my life long ago. If I did that, I would have never needed your help.¡±


    She frowned.


    ¡°I keep coming back to the question of why you saved me. I still want to understand your reason for getting involved.¡±


    Now I tried to tell her the same thing as the first time she asked, but she wouldn¡¯t accept my answer.


    ¡°Adele told me she warned you to stay out of my troubles. In a way, you betrayed her. Why did you go against her wishes?¡±


    Her thoughtful expression and blue eyes held me for a moment. The real reason might be to stick it to this screwy world, but I also hated what Antonio did to her. Still, what did it mean to me? If I walked away, I¡¯m fine and not in a hospital.


    Then again, Cora might have never showed up with the start of an explanation.


    ¡°I can¡¯t really explain,¡± I replied while scratching my head as I avoided looking at her. ¡°One thing that got to me was the pain I saw in your eyes. Plus, I felt like a coward for trying to avoid the situation when you came to my office. In truth, the whole thing pissed me off. I remember thinking that such a lovely woman deserves so much more.¡±


    Sally blushed slightly, then downed the rest of her beer.


    ¡°Lane, you¡¯ll get in trouble talking like that,¡± she said with a gleam.


    Enjoying her reaction, I chuckled.


    ¡°Trouble keeps happening with me, no matter what I do.¡±


    The woman nodded as her expression turned distant for a moment.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget the concern that you showed me before you jumped from the train,¡± Sally said as she rose and stepped around the back of my chair. ¡°There¡¯s blood all over your face and you¡¯re in so much pain, but I saw you look at me. From your expression, you were still worried about me. I¡¯ll never forget that.¡±


    I felt her soft hands lay on my shoulders, along with a tingle running down my spine.


    ¡°Lane, can I ask a favor of you?¡± She leaned down and whispered, sending a shiver through me as her hot breath brushed by my ear.


    Of course, at this point, I¡¯m feeling the pressure below but also in my head, as I thought of Adele.


    ¡°Yeah, you can ask,¡± my voice trailed off.


    Sally put her hand on my cheek and turned my head. When she planted her lips on mine, I felt the surge of electricity between us. It seemed to melt the little reluctance I had going into this.


    Yeah, I get it. I¡¯m not that dumb. She gave me plenty of hints. And, yeah, I¡¯m a bastard for thinking about my wife while I¡¯m enjoying this hottie kissing me. Her bent over position showed me those nice breasts just before she kissed me.


    Standing up from my chair, I gripped her by the shoulders as our lips part. Something I never witnessed before matches the excitement and desire that I see in her eyes.


    ¡°Why are you doing this? People will talk if this goes further.¡±


    Yeah, stupid question, but it was that look she held on her face that I couldn¡¯t figure out.


    ¡°People can go to hell! I¡¯m not asking you to leave your wife, Lane. All I want is to be with you,¡± she said as she wrapped her arms around me.


    However, that also made me notice where this attraction was going. I hesitated as I saw this relationship spiraling out of control in my head.


    Sally must have noticed my concerns, as she wrapped her arms around my neck.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t overthink this. I need you right now.¡±


    She started sucking on my lips and her heated breathing sent me hard. I fondled her breasts hard, and she tilted her head back.


    ¡°Yesss...aaaaa,¡± she moaned.


    After a round of stand up sex, Sally disappeared into the bathroom. I pulled up my underwear and pants. As I waited, I kept thinking how stupid I was for cheating. Still, at the same time, I thought about how wonderful Sally was to me.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll need to bring you for lunch a lot more often than I planned,¡± Sally smiled when she entered the room again.


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    She put her arms around my neck. After a soft kiss, she buried her face in my chest and thanked me. She was back in her dress with new nylons covering her legs. Her makeup refreshed; her attitude was back to the businesswoman that I¡¯m used to seeing.


    ¡°It¡¯s an act,¡± she said.


    ¡°What is?¡± The statement confused me, and Sally grinned.


    ¡°I can become the professional upstanding citizen when I go outside that front door.¡± She took me by the arm and led me to the entrance. ¡°But when I¡¯m with you alone, I can be myself, a tramp who wants you to fuck me like we¡¯ll never see each other again.¡±


    I stopped her from opening the door.


    ¡°Don¡¯t put yourself down like that.¡± I placed my hand on her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re never a tramp with me. Enjoying each other is the best kind of living, at least I think that way. You may have a body built for sin, but I think that you¡¯re a noble person with a kind heart.¡±


    Sally looked away.


    ¡°You¡¯re too smooth with your words.¡±


    Chuckling, I told her I¡¯ve heard that before. She looked back at me, her expression serious.


    ¡°I like Adele and I don¡¯t want to hurt her. She¡¯s na?ve but a good person. I know that you¡¯re lucky to have her. However, I want you to find time for me, even if it seems too shallow like today. While you care for Adele, I also can sense that you want me as well. Am I asking for too much from you?¡±


    I hesitated, but then brought her in my arms. Hugging her, I told her I would do as she asked. The turmoil inside me kept swirling right on like a dark tornado. I told myself that there were no morals in this world. Yet, that doesn¡¯t mean there are no consequences for my actions.


    On the drive back to her business, I kept glancing over at Sally. She smiled at me, then her expression grew serious after looking in the rearview mirror again.


    ¡°I think we have someone following us.¡±


    Now, the urge to turn back and look almost got me. I leaned forward and looked in the passenger side mirror to see a gray car behind us.


    ¡°I noticed that car pulled past us when we stopped at my place,¡± she explained. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a Fuller Brush salesman.¡±


    Now, I didn¡¯t get the reference, but I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°When you drop me off at my car, I¡¯ll see if he follows me. Then we should know more about what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think it¡¯s Antonio¡¯s guys, do you?¡± The heightened concern showed in her voice.


    Shrugging, I told her not to worry.


    ¡°You stay inside your building and let¡¯s see what happens. There was a guy monitoring my office, so maybe he followed me here.¡±


    Sally pulled next to my car. I thought of giving her a kiss, but we just looked awkwardly at each other.


    ¡°Too many eyes,¡± she said, as if she read my mind.


    With a nod, I got out and told her to keep her guard up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you later.¡±


    Standing by my car, I watched her pull up close to the building and casually slid into the driver¡¯s side of my Hudson. After she goes inside, I pull out of the parking lot and notice the gray car following mine.


    When I pull into a space in front of the Stull Junction Library, my tail keeps driving past, coming to a stop half a block away. Feeling like I shouldn¡¯t have left my .45 at the office, my mind runs through several options. But I¡¯m already late to see Adele, so I decided to see if the guy in the gray car was coming inside after me.


    Taking the steps two at a time, I reach the entrance and go inside. Taking an immediate turn to my right, I position myself by the edge of one window. As I¡¯m staring at the car, I notice the driver hasn¡¯t made a move yet.


    Come on, don¡¯t just wait there!


    While I¡¯m waiting, I didn¡¯t hear the footsteps behind me.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Adele leans in next to me.


    I jumped back and glared at her.


    ¡°Are you trying to give me a heart attack?¡±


    She frowned.


    ¡°You¡¯re late, mister. I deserve an apology!¡±


    After glancing toward my shadow outside, I realized he must be waiting for me. Turning back around, I apologized to Adele.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, my bad. I think I picked up someone following me.¡±


    Her eyes widened, and she looked out the window.


    ¡°Do you know who it is?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I looked out over her head. ¡°But I don¡¯t think he¡¯s coming inside. Let¡¯s go talk about what you found.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do something?¡± Adele couldn¡¯t believe my attitude.


    ¡°What can I do right now? Somebody¡¯s sitting in their car. But I want to get a look at him when we leave.¡± I took her hand and forced a smile onto my face.


    ¡°Come on, beautiful. Show me what you what you came up with.¡±


    ¡°I swear...¡± she shook her head and pulled out her notebook as I continued to glimpse at the car through the window.


    Adele handed me her notes, and I ran through them as she recounted her work.


    ¡°What little information I found pointed to Cora Elder, who arrived from the northeast US in the 1920s,¡± she said, which didn¡¯t surprise me. ¡°However, the strange part is I found a local history book stating that Stull Junction started in the mid-1800s right after the gold rush. Apparently, it was nothing more than a stopping point for the railroad, but it¡¯s not on any maps.¡±


    Nodding, I agreed, telling her I looked in the map room for the location of the city. Adele seemed surprised, then raised an eyebrow as she reconsidered what she told me.


    ¡°That makes no sense. How can the railroad train travel through and no map shows this city?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just another fun thing about this place.¡± I made light of it. ¡°Maybe the city didn¡¯t pay someone a fee. Let¡¯s get back to Cora.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she continued. ¡°I found out that she was a famous spiritualist before dropping out of sight for a while. Apparently, she had two attendants at the house, but I never learned their names or what happened to them.¡±


    Again, no surprise to me that Cora hid the truth about her past, along with the facts about those demon lovers who lived with her. The fact of their presence still concerned me as much as the woman. Dealing with supernatural shit made me want a priest involved.


    ¡°Since the family history didn¡¯t give me much, I checked the newspapers,¡± she continued as I kept glancing out the window.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need more time to look through older papers if they have them here. I only found this article about her sudden disappearance. You can see all the details on that page.¡± She took the notebook and flipped over to the page for me.


    ¡°So, she attends the festival alone with the mayor and other dignitaries. The last place she¡¯s seen is walking along the park path that leads to her mansion,¡± I summarized the article.


    That must be the park where I met the judge.


    ¡°After that, there was another article about someone named Robert James Lees, another spiritualist who took over her estate.¡± Adele showed me the next note.


    ¡°Did you find out if he¡¯s a relative?¡± Frowning, I scanned the details.


    Adele shook her head.


    ¡°Nothing about that, just a column about Lees arriving on the train from San Francisco after arriving on a steamship. That was the day that Cora Elder disappeared.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange, but just like everything else in this city,¡± I winked at her. ¡°You¡¯re a natural at this stuff.¡±


    She smiled and took me by the arm.


    ¡°Then you can buy me lunch.¡± She noticed my change when she mentioned lunch.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    Looking out the window, I shook my head.


    ¡°No, just thinking about that car out there.¡± Luckily, my lie fit right into the events at the moment.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried and I don¡¯t want to risk your safety,¡± I put my arm around her waist. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to my office and I¡¯ll have Alice pick us up a sandwich from across the street. I want to check on our mysterious follower, plus I left my protection in the office.¡±


    The concern on her face came through again, but she took a deep breath before agreeing.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be a restaurant, but I¡¯m still with you,¡± she grinned.


    ¡°We¡¯ll turn on the radio and it¡¯ll be even better,¡± I winked again.


    We walked out of the library arm in arm. As we went down the steps, Adele tried to change the subject. She told me of Lloyd¡¯s arrival at her table, mentioning it as suspicious given he never mentioned going into the building. As she talked, I scanned the area, but nothing looked out of place. However, her unexpected encounter with Lloyd suddenly made me consider his involvement with the man across the street from my office and this vehicle following me.


    After we got in the car, I told Adele that I would drive by the gray car, and I wanted her to write down the license number.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make it obvious and keep your notebook low,¡± I warned as I backed out of the parking stall.


    When we drove by, I caught a glance of the man in the car, but the only thing distinguishing about him was the dark green fedora he wore. From my quick view, it didn¡¯t look like the same person who watched my office. Adele wrote the number and mentioned the car had an out-of-state tag.


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect. I¡¯ll put my Baker Street Irregulars on the job when we get to the office.¡±


    When she asked what I was talking about, I changed the subject.


    ¡°What sounds good for a sandwich? I¡¯ll take anything but tuna.¡±

 Chapter 37 My Lying Explanation

    <div>


    Since I couldn¡¯t find a parking space in the back of the building, I pulled around the side and entered the front doors. A quick glance revealed my black hat spy no longer sat on the bench across the street. When we entered my outer office, I spotted the bluish haze sitting in her chair as Alice swiveled around. After saying hello, I directed Adele back to my office. However, my wife stopped and introduced herself to my secretary. I¡¯m sure I stood there looking like a dunce, since I never considered the idea that they never met. Also, I found it surreal while watching Adele speaking with Alice while all I saw of the woman was a blue haze outline of a person.


    As they talked, I walked into my office and looked down at the street, where I saw the man in a green fedora sit next to my shadow. I watched him from the side of the window as he observed the street.


    Well, that¡¯s interesting!


    Not long after arriving, the man in the black hat came to the bench, spoke with the man who follow us. After the brief conversation, the black hat man crossed the street to follow 2<sup>nd</sup> Street. I watched him until he disappeared. Glancing back at the sound of the door to the outer office open, then close, I saw Adele enter my office.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m jealous,¡± she said in a light tone. ¡°You had Alice here and never introduced me. She¡¯s a beauty.¡±


    To avoid talking about a woman I couldn¡¯t see, I waved Adele over to the window.


    ¡°Our friend is now parked on a bench out front. He spoke with the guy who was watching this place this morning.¡±


    Adele¡¯s blue eyes surveyed the street below, and she pressed her thumb to her lips.


    ¡°You think they are Antonio¡¯s men?¡±


    I shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I¡¯ll find out. However, I¡¯m betting on another horse.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± She put her arm around my waist as I saw a blue outline moving like a ghost across the street.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell you,¡± I replied. ¡°You won¡¯t like it, so I want proof.¡±


    Feeling her stare, I turned and kissed her. Adele hesitated, then she put her head on my shoulder, and we continued to watch the street.


    ¡°Not everyone is against us, are they?¡± Her defeated tone made me shake my head.


    However, my mind remained on my dilemma. I held affection for two women, and I never believed in the idea of a harem. That¡¯s only the domain of super powered alphas in fantasy novels and Mangas. Maybe Stull Junction had similarities to the problems in those fantasies, but I couldn¡¯t shake the core beliefs I grew up with. While Sally stated she didn¡¯t want to break up my marriage, Adele left me with strong doubts about having two lovers continuing once she found it. Hell, I didn¡¯t know if either woman here could go back with me or if they even wanted to attempt it.


    Life must be good for the fantasy characters on TV!


    ~~~


    As Adele and I ate our sandwiches while sitting on the couch, I kept avoiding looking at Alice eating. It¡¯s more than strange to see a sandwich slowly disappear as it dangles in the air. From the conversation I overheard, it appeared that Alice and Adele hit it off well. Of course, I was the brunt of several jabs given by my secretary. Of course, Adele added her thoughts about my shortcomings. Fortunately, my behavior quarks that Alice brought out appeared more rooted in the previous inhabitants of the Lane Dagger name. So, I tried to act like I remembered and let them have their fun.


    It wasn¡¯t all bad, since I learned quite a bit more about Alice. She carries the unusual last name of Duchess and comes from Stull Junction. While I could barely make out her facial features, it appeared she continued to observe me enough to make Adele uncomfortable.


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    Fortunately, a phone call from S. B. Bellow interrupted the women¡¯s office festivities. While I spoke with Bellow¡¯s about the property, Adele went back to the window to observe the man sitting on the bench. When I got off the phone with the realtor, I finished some notes and told Adele that we¡¯d head home with a stop on the way.


    ¡°What about my car?¡±


    ¡°I want you to stay close since we don¡¯t know who those men are,¡± I said.


    As she gave me a pout, I went to the hat rack and got my gun and holster. After Adele watched me put the holster on and check the clip on the .45, her attitude changed.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re so stubborn, you can drive me over tomorrow and pick up my car,¡± she said while brushing my coat jacket with her hand. ¡°But I think we should set up a time to speak with Mr. Lees.¡±


    ¡°Hell, I almost forgot about that,¡± I grinned.


    Her ability to shift into an almost childlike feigned innocence while she brings us back to the point of the morning made me like her that much more.


    Damn, she¡¯s good!


    On the way out the door, I asked Alice to call Sally¡¯s office to let her know about the man following us. As Adele and I took the stairs down to exit the building, she asked about Sally. I explained I went over to her office, and we talked about her company.


    ¡°I forgot about the folder of information she gave me. We need to sign for our, well, your forty percent of the company,¡± I explained while keeping my guard up about our shadow sitting on the bench outside.


    ¡°Dear, don¡¯t do that,¡± Adele replied. ¡°I know it¡¯s my fortune, but you purchased the share of the company, so it¡¯s ours. Did you get anything else from Sally?¡±


    My mind spun around on that innocent question, and I remained quiet.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± She noticed my expression.


    ¡°Just wondering what¡¯s waiting outside,¡± I lied.


    When we got into my car, I noticed our shadow moving quickly across the street to get to his vehicle. A smile came to my face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ditch this bastard following us,¡± I said as I hurriedly started the Hudson. ¡°They¡¯re becoming way too obvious about getting into our business.¡±


    Sure, it¡¯s childish, but I felt a rush acting like one of those TV detectives when I cut in front of a truck. I didn¡¯t see the driver, but I heard his curses as I pushed the accelerator to the floor. Only a half block from where I pulled into the street, I turned down an alley, then sped along to the next street and took another left. Adele gripped the door handle, trying to stop from sliding across the seat with each quick turn. But she held an excited look on her face while glancing back. After several blocks and a few turns later, we were confident we lost the man tailing us.


    Our drive along 14th Street peaked Adele¡¯s curiosity. As she looked over the warehouse district, the woman frowned.


    ¡°This is near where you nearly died.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m not here to reminisce. I noticed the Potter building that night and thought it might be useful as a place to build a kind of studio.¡±


    Now, my lying explanation came out on the fly since I needed a cover for looking over the place. I pulled into the alley, which led to the back of the small warehouse. I noticed the narrow passageway that night when I walked Antonio¡¯s men to his building. Since I couldn¡¯t see much in the rain, I wanted to look over the place to see its suitability for my plan.


    As expected, an alleyway which had no exit since other buildings boxed in a small parking area and dock. Getting out of the car, I walked around the loading dock, which came up to my chest. Discarded barrels and wood crates sat scattered along the dock and down one side of the alley. Overall, the place reminded me of a movie that I saw with my granddad. An interesting thought came to me as I looked over the area.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see inside?¡± Adele¡¯s voice brought me out of my thoughts.


    Nodding, I stepped up on to the concrete platform leading to the warehouse doors. As I waited for my woman, I survey the lot again.


    ¡°You seem interested in this loading area,¡± she pointed out with a smile.


    ¡°Not really. I¡¯m concerned about how isolated this place is,¡± I said. ¡°But it might work.¡±


    ¡°Sure, but why are you looking for a studio?¡± Her question didn¡¯t surprise me now as I developed the reasoning behind my lie earlier.


    ¡°Since I think being a producer carries the best opportunities, I thought that setting up a studio for us to hold auditions made some sense.¡± I rubbed my chin.


    Adele¡¯s agreement to the idea made me happy as I slid open one of the large doors. Bellow told me over the phone that he¡¯d make sure they unlocked the back door for me and told me to lock it when I left. The funny thing was that I realized my lie actually made sense around the idea of quitting this private detective work. That Adele saw the value of the idea reinforced my belief showed I¡¯m on the right track.


    When I looked over the building, I decided this place would not work for my future plan. The place was too large and expensive.


    ¡°Actually, this may be too large to start off with,¡± I said after looking closely at the window by the dock and opening a metal door to the outside. ¡°Besides, it¡¯ll take a lot of cash to build out areas that we might not need.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can see what you mean,¡± Adele agreed as she took down notes. ¡°We might want something closer to your current office, since the radio station is downtown. I¡¯ll call the radio station for a tour or something. I think they have live audiences, so we should go to look it over.¡±


    ¡°You are always on top of things. Alright, we¡¯ve seen enough,¡± I told her as I made sure the door that I closed remained unlocked.


    <div>

 Chapter 38 Setting Up a Fall

    <div>


    The next morning, I got out of bed long before sunrise. Fortunately, Adele is a heavy sleeper, so it wasn¡¯t hard for me to get dressed and out the apartment door without waking her. Making my way down the backstairs of the building, I worked my way to the side of the building where I saw the gray car following me the day before. The driver appeared asleep inside the vehicle, so I hurried to my car, which was parked several rows over on the other side of the lot.


    After starting the car, I drove out of the lot with my headlights off, using the moonlight of a waning halfmoon to guide me to the street. Turning on the car¡¯s lights, I headed to the Potter building where I had work to accomplish.


    After arriving at the building, I used the unlocked door to enter the building while carrying a flashlight and a length of coiled rope from the car. I dropped the coil out through the partially opened window to the dock, then went back to the dock. After moving around some barrels and hooking one end of the rope to the building across the alley, I strung the rope along the ground to the dock and into the building. Then, I searched the building for the few items I needed to arrange everything for later that day.


    When I got back to the apartment, I pulled back into the parking spot that I left earlier. The morning sun cast a red pall over the area as I took a long route around the building. When I entered, I took the same back stairs after looking out the front lobby windows at the gray car still in its place. When I entered the apartment, Adele was making coffee.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I couldn¡¯t sleep, so I took a walk around the neighborhood,¡± I replied, as I slipped behind Adele.


    My light kiss on her neck raised goosebumps on her skin and I smiled.


    ¡°How about some fun before breakfast?¡± I suggested.


    Adele smiled and turned around.


    ¡°You read my mind,¡± she replied.


    ~~~


    As we talked during our morning meal, Adele suggested setting a time to meet with Sally over the paperwork she sent with me. Obviously curious, I asked the reason.


    ¡°I wonder if we¡¯re getting enough ownership of the company, given the amount that we gave her. I looked over her financial information and I think we should have more,¡± she said.


    My surprised expression caused her to frown.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you think I¡¯m out of line.¡±


    ¡°No, not at all,¡± I assured her. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a financial guru. I told her when I lent her the money that she could make the call. I guess I shouldn¡¯t have done that without you.¡±


    Adele¡¯s expression remained thoughtful as I explained, then she took a sip of her coffee. After a moment, she replied.


    ¡°Yes, you should have told me. But that¡¯s water under the bridge now. Do you think I¡¯m wrong to push on this?¡±


    The question struck me as strange at first, at least until I remembered how Lane Dagger took financial control away from her.


    ¡°No, we should discuss it with her. You should get the settlement you think is fair,¡± I told her. ¡°I might be good at getting into trouble, but I don¡¯t know much more than that.¡±


    ¡°You can say that again,¡± she teased me. ¡°I¡¯ll call her office and make some time for us.¡±


    I remained quiet as I watched her carry her plate into the kitchen. My hope was the conversation would not take another turn.


    As I drove Adele to her car, I noticed my shadow¡¯s car picked us up as we left the parking lot of the apartment building. I stayed silent about this with the woman next to me. Instead, I asked about her plans for the day.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you. I¡¯m having lunch with Jenny. She¡¯s been in a huff since... well, I¡¯ve been so busy we need to catch up.¡± Adele played with the strap on her purse.


    ¡°No doubt, she¡¯ll be quite interested in everything you¡¯ve been through recently.¡± I kept my poker face on as I replied.


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    ¡°Yes..., that¡¯s true. To be honest, I wish she would cancel.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Anyway, I want to see if I can find more information about Robert James Lees and see if we can meet him.¡±


    ¡°Well, if he doesn¡¯t agree, we¡¯ll drive out to the Elder¡¯s mansion.¡± An idea suddenly popped into my head. ¡°We can say that we¡¯re working on a potential radio story about the Elder family.¡±


    Adele stared at me for a moment, then grinned as she understood.


    ¡°You¡¯re devious.¡±


    ¡°No more than you are, babe,¡± I grinned back. ¡°I remember how you got the measurements for my new clothes.¡±


    Her reddening face made me chuckle.


    ~~~


    After dropping off Adele at her vehicle, I made sure I received a pleasant kiss, enough she had to wipe the lipstick off my lips. She appeared surprised by my sudden needy action.


    ¡°Just going to miss you,¡± I said with a grin. In reality, I realized there was a chance my plan might not work as I envisioned.


    I delayed leaving to ensure the gray car didn¡¯t follow her, then I headed to the office. My attention focused on my coming conversation with a rat while I smiled in the mirror at my shadow, who dutifully pulled in behind me.


    When I reached my desk, I found a page of typewritten notes from Alice who translated for Jeffrey¡¯s friends. Overall, it gave me a picture of Stull Junction¡¯s rumors. One note about Judge Seabury caught my eye. According to the Baker Street Irregulars, the judge left a fraternal club called the Order of Pendo with Mayor Reading and the district attorney. While interesting, I figured the news of the VIPs¡¯ meeting didn¡¯t mean much to me.


    That¡¯s when I noticed Jeffrey discovered the hotel where my shadows made their temporary home. One of the newspaper boys also saw Lloyd Childress meeting with two men in the hotel¡¯s lobby. The handwritten note by Alice stated that the Hotel Zur Oper rooms were the priciest in town. I asked Alice about her note.


    ¡°Tell me, does your note mean something?¡±


    The fact that I¡¯m asking a question to a blue haze outline shows how much this place changed my perspective.


    ¡°It might,¡± her sweet husky voice explained. ¡°I think that someone must have money to have such people staying in that hotel for so many days. Can there be that many in Stull Junction who don¡¯t worry about the money?¡±


    Nodding, I thanked her for the insight. It definitely narrowed my list.


    ¡°Your newspaper boy says the richest lawyer in this city still has it in for you,¡± Alice continued. ¡°When you went missing for a few days before you showed up to throw up on the door, I wondered...well, I got worried.¡±


    The nearly invisible secretary¡¯s concerned tone surprised me. But my mind focused on the evidence placed in my lap. It also cemented my next steps.


    It confirms that Childress came after me before.


    A scowl came to my face when I thought about him still gunning for me. I guessed the reason he hadn¡¯t made a move yet was Adele¡¯s presence with me so much of the time.


    ¡°Say, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. I can¡¯t lose the most beautiful secretary in Stull Junction,¡± the words just came out of my mouth automatically.


    She giggled.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, you¡¯re not very smooth when you say that. I know you can¡¯t even see me.¡±


    The chair swiveled, and I felt her stare while my face grew hot from embarrassment. I scratched my head.


    ¡°Yeah, well, you got me, I guess. But I wished I behaved differently at first. Are you going to explain it to me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the time yet,¡± she said. ¡°I know you¡¯re having a difficult time right now. After all, I remember your first day here. But I believe in your path.¡±


    Her comment stumped me.


    What does she mean?


    I wanted to open up to someone about this crazy place. Apparently, Alice knew much more than the others. However, she wasn¡¯t ready to talk.


    ¡°Then I guess that discussion needed to wait. Have you heard anything about Antonio?¡± I asked her. ¡°Did he get out of jail yet?¡±


    Alice snickered at my question.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe my boss doesn¡¯t keep up with the newspapers. Antonio died in jail. Nobody knows what happened to him. Or, at least, the police aren¡¯t telling the newspapers.¡±


    That¡¯s unexpected!


    A few hours later, I left the office after making a vital phone call to the rat. I also gave instructions for Alice to call Adele with the excuse that I had a last-minute meeting with the Baker Street Irregulars. That might also provide some cover for me if things blew up in an hour or so.


    After looking down at the street from my window, I left the office with one last-minute instruction to Alice.


    ¡°If something goes wrong, you don¡¯t know anything. You just forwarded the calls.¡± I winked at the haze figure.


    As I closed the outer door, I heard her wish me luck. Walking down the stairs, I thought through everything one last time, then stood at the door. I took a deep breath and pushed through the door. After leaving the building, I walked across the street to the delicatessen. The late afternoon crowd of pedestrians filled the sidewalks as the nearby offices slowly emptied.


    The man in the gray car sat on one side of the street, which I noticed as I left through the front door. The shadow¡¯s partner in the black hat sat at his customary bench and I headed across the street to the sandwich shop. The man¡¯s fake attention on the magazine in his hands made me grin as I passed him. Inside the shop, I acted like a regular, ordering a beef on weck. While I had never heard of the sandwich before yesterday, I enjoyed it.


    On my way out of the shop holding my paper bag, I stopped by the bench and asked my shadow for the time.


    ¡°Get lost, mister!¡±


    Shrugging my shoulders, I stepped around a young couple holding hands as they entered the shop. Monitoring the man, I walked to the street corner, then crossed the street. I got in my car and noticed my black hat friend hurrying to the gray car as he dodged the oncoming vehicles while crossing the street. As the song says, the stage is set.


    <div>

 Chapter 39 – Taking Care of an Enemy

    It was nearly dark when my Hudson squeezed down the alley next to the Potter building for a few feet before I parked it. Deliberately blocking the entrance into the darkening alley, I slid out and went inside the building from the unlocked door in the back. Looking at my shaking hands with the realization that my nervousness was building, I hurried to a front window facing the street. The gray car parked next to another warehouse building across the avenue still held my two shadows. Breathing a sigh of relief, I looked at my watch in the dying light of the day.


    Not much time left!


    Ensuring the doors and windows to the building remained secure, I walked through the offices. I turned on a light in an upstairs office and walked by the window several times for the benefit of my shadows outside. Checking the phone, I noticed there was no signal. However, it didn¡¯t surprise me, but it reinforced how isolated my presence was.


    There are no cell phones in this timeline.


    Heading back downstairs, I went to the main dock doors while feeling my tension rising. It was pretty dark inside the building, but I avoided using my flashlight. The wide windows placed near the top of one wall allowed enough light in the open space to avoid obstacles when moving about. After flipping on the outside light near the doors, I see a pale light stream through the opening in the battered door. Using my flashlight to look at my watch quickly, I went over to the unlocked back door and picked up an old paint can I found earlier. Cutting off a length of rope, I tied one end to the handle. Then I pulled out a partial string of firecrackers left over from Adele¡¯s bathroom trick to get us aboard the train. Putting most of them into the can, I rose, then locked the door.


    When I stepped back to a position near the front door, I peered out the small glass window on the door at the men in the car watching the building. They parked far enough away that I couldn¡¯t see anything but shadows. However, they were good sports about it since both of them were smoking cigarettes, which showed up as red dots inside the car.


    I pulled out my bag and nibbled on my sandwich. There was no surprise that my appetite was gone as I thought things over. Maybe it was rationalization, but I considered Lloyd like a festering wound that needed treatment. Outnumbered by his men, I couldn¡¯t let him dictate the terms. Another day or two, they¡¯d find me alone, and all bets were off. Since Lloyd suddenly showed up to meet Adele at the library told me that his confidence was back. I strongly suspected that I¡¯d end up like my predecessor. Still, O¡¯Conner¡¯s words to me about not being too smart in how I dealt with Antonio came back to me.


    ¡°Maybe so, but I¡¯m fixing this problem as well,¡± I said to the empty room.


    Finally, car lights lit up the street and I watched as a car slowed to a stop next to the gray car. After watching over their unheard conversation, I saw the car slowly roll forward, then pull into the parking stall in front of the building. I had to move back as the headlights focused on the front door for a moment, then they went off.


    Reaching under my coat, I pulled out my .45 and pulled back the slide to inject the cartridge into the chamber. From my vantage point, while looking out the small front door window, I noticed the men in the gray car get out. However, they remained across the street, and I backed away from the door. A moment later, I heard a knock at the front door, but I remained quiet. Soon, the doorknob jiggled, then turned.


    Lloyd cautiously entered the building. I could see his outline in the doorway as he called out.


    ¡°Dagger, I¡¯m here!¡±


    He moved out of the doorway, and I heard him searching for a light. He flipped the switch, but I had already removed the bulb. After he took another step into the room, I turned on the flashlight, pointing the beam in his face.


    ¡°Close the door and we can talk.¡± I told him with more calm than I expected.


    ¡°Get that light out of my eyes,¡± he grumbled. But he closed the door.


    I dropped the beam of light on his chest and came around to the front wall.


    ¡°Keep going inside,¡± I said. ¡°Your boys are out there to keep you safe, so no need to worry. But, if you¡¯re carrying, I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    His bitter expression remained, but he pulled open his coat.


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    ¡°That¡¯s right. Don¡¯t you forget those men. They¡¯ve told me all about your time with Sally Vaugh. I don¡¯t need a gun. Now, are you ready to talk business again?¡±


    While he thought he held the upper hand, I went to the door and turned the lock. I noticed Lloyd¡¯s eyes widened at my move. It was the first time he was worried about my gun.


    ¡°That¡¯s just so they don¡¯t interrupt,¡± I explained. ¡°Now come on, let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Leading him to the back of the building, I saw his darting eyes scanning the room.


    ¡°Why here? You can¡¯t kill me,¡± his voice leaked his concern.


    ¡°I told my guys to kill you if I don¡¯t come out.¡±


    ¡°Hell, you little bastard, I expected that,¡± I chuckled. ¡°You can relax. I¡¯m just being careful. Let¡¯s start with why you¡¯re pestering Adele.¡±


    He glanced back with a smirk.


    ¡°She still doesn¡¯t trust you, so I¡¯m letting her know she can dump you still,¡± Lloyd said. ¡°I don¡¯t like how you double crossed me. You¡¯re just getting some payback now.¡±


    He stopped and turned back to me.


    ¡°You forced my hand, so I¡¯m playing the long game. You came to me to help get this divorce done, and we agreed to the split. This is fair, considering that you reneged on our agreement.¡±


    One thing I learned in my psychology class was that people like to talk when you let them. They really like to talk when they¡¯re nervous or under pressure. So, I just kept Lloyd rambling as he kept complaining about my changing the deal.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that I¡¯m the one who did the double cross,¡± I said as we came to the back door. ¡°Maybe I know better than that. I have several people wondering why I was missing for a few days.¡±


    With my flashlight on him, I easily saw his eyelid twitch at the comment.


    ¡°Tell me the truth, Childress. Was it those two outside?¡± I said as he turned and slowly backed himself into the door.


    My goal was to scare him into admitting what I suspect, and I gave him my devil grin.


    ¡°I...I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! You need help!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad,¡± I waved my gun. ¡°But your non-answer tells me enough. By the way, I locked that door, so don¡¯t do anything stupid.¡±


    I glanced at my watch.


    ¡°Now, would you like to leave?¡±


    The question surprised him, but he quickly nodded.


    ¡°Good, but we¡¯ll try an experiment first.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he asked in confusion.


    I stepped next to a support beam and placed the flashlight on the floor. Pulling out a firecracker from my pocket, I put the firecracker in between my thumb and the handle of my gun. I pulled a match from the same pocket and slid the match along the beam. Instantly, I had a small flame.


    ¡°I wonder what your boys will do when this firecracker goes off?¡± I asked when lit it and threw it behind me.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Lloyd finally figured out his danger.


    The minor explosion went off with a nearby pop. To me, it didn¡¯t sound like a gunshot. I could only hope that those outside the building would react differently.


    I pointed my weapon at his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this,¡± he pleaded. ¡°They¡¯re coming for you now. You¡¯ll get us killed.¡±


    As if they heard us, we heard a pounding on the steel front door along with shouting for Childress.


    ¡°You speak and I kill you!¡± I growled as both of us looked in the noise¡¯s direction.


    Since the windows on the front wall were too high to get in easily, I expected them to come around the back.


    ¡°What is this game?¡± Lloyd asked, his face pale with growing fear.


    If I¡¯m honest, I¡¯m sure my face was just as colorless, but I kept my growl going.


    ¡°I asked for the truth. You¡¯re not likely to survive unless I get it.¡±


    The pounding on the door stopped and Lloyd¡¯s panic kicked in.


    ¡°Alright, it was a mistake. They were just supposed to rough you up a bit. Obviously, they tricked me. Rod said they buried you. Since you¡¯re alive, let¡¯s call it quits with this partnership.¡±


    Lloyd yelled out when a line of paint cans suddenly slammed into a nearby wall. One of Lloyd¡¯s men tripped over the rope in the alley, causing the metallic clattering to fill the room.


    As Lloyd freaked, he started trying to open the door. I ran up behind him and put the .45 into his back.


    ¡°Shut it!¡± I hissed. ¡°Otherwise, they¡¯ll shoot you through the door.¡±


    We heard footsteps outside before the sound quickly faded. Lloyd let out a breath.


    ¡°Just let me go. I¡¯ll tell them I¡¯m fine,¡± the man said as he regained his nerve.


    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s probably a good idea,¡± I told him. ¡°Now that I know the truth, I got no issues with you leaving.¡± My tone remained calm as I pulled out another match from my pocket.


    Immediately, pounding came from the large dock doors down the wall from us.


    ¡°Childress, are you alright?¡±


    I told Lloyd to unlock the door.


    ¡°Slowly!¡± I warned as I backed away. ¡°Let¡¯s see how your debating skills work.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll get them to go away. Just don¡¯t kill me,¡± he said with growing confidence.


    It didn¡¯t take a genius to figure out that he¡¯d invite them into the building to take me out when he had the chance. I saw it in his eyes when I grabbed the paint can I left near the support beam earlier. While the pounding on the other door continued, Lloyd carefully opened the steel door and peeked out into the darkness. I came behind him and lit the match.


    ¡°Rod and Cecil, calm down. It¡¯s me!¡±


    The man suddenly pushed out into the darkness. I lit the fuse on the small string of firecrackers and rolled the can out behind him. Almost immediately, they went off as I closed the door and ducked down behind a barrel.


    The yelling from Lloyd, who stood in the dark shadows near the dock, followed by the nearby exploding firecrackers, brought chaos. Louder explosions went off as the men started shooting in the direction of the exploding firecrackers.


    As I listened to the sounds, I kept debating my next steps. However, the sudden quiet caught my attention. I heard footsteps on the cement dock growing louder, then stop.


    ¡°Crap, we gotta get out of here!¡± An unfamiliar voice came through the wall.

 Chapter 40 Aftermath

    As the sound of footsteps faded away, I went back to my flashlight and picked it up. Heading back to the front of the building, I turned off the light and watched through the front door window as the gray car sped away. Still, I can¡¯t relax.


    After grabbing my sandwich bag, I hurried through the building and to the back door again. When I exited the building, my flashlight beam found Lloyd Childress lying on the dock. He¡¯s gasping for air, and I see blood covering his chest in three spots. Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect the men to shoot so accurately into the darkness where he stood by the door.


    Well, they are killers!


    For the first time, I felt sorry for him. Even though he got shot by his own hired guns, I don¡¯t like the idea he¡¯s suffering.


    ¡°You¡¯re a son of a bitch,¡± he wheezed out, then groaned.


    I stared at him, wondering if I should care or not. I¡¯ve already decided this place is not a game. Convinced that I¡¯m saving myself, and probably Adele, I still can¡¯t help but wonder. Since I set this scenario up knowing the possibility of his death.


    Am I truly this fucked in the head now?


    ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t screw with the wrong people,¡± I finally told him. ¡°I¡¯ll call the cops to get your friends.¡±


    As I walked down the steps from the dock, I heard him cough.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay alive long enough to tell them you did this to me,¡± he sputtered. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll see you in Hell!¡±


    ¡°Probably so, but you can appreciate the irony of this anyway,¡± I agreed as I slid my .45 into the holster. Then, I entered the alley to get into my car.


    ~~~


    I drove down 14<sup>th</sup> Street to a gas station. The attendant in his white uniform came out to greet me with a smile. When I asked for a phone, his smile waned.


    ¡°I guess I can get a dollar¡¯s worth of gas,¡± I sighed as I went into the small building. Yeah, a couple of dollars will fill a tank when it¡¯s 18 cents a gallon.


    Picking up the handset from the phone on the counter, I suddenly realized there¡¯s no 911 in this time period. Instead, I dialed zero like I remembered from a movie. A couple of rings later, I spoke with an operator, asking her for the police station. A gruff voice came on the line next, and I told the man I heard shots and saw two men running away from the Potter building. Of course, I was nice enough to give the desk sergeant the license plate number as well. Plus, I told the desk Sargent they might need an ambulance. I figured those two who shot their boss and killed one of the Lane Dagger¡¯s deserved a bit of payback.


    After hanging up without leaving my name, the question of the other Lane Dagger¡¯s death left me wondering. I considered the ideas of who killed my predecessors while I watched the man finish cleaning my windshields. The guy also checked my tire pressure. When I drove away, I wondered how my world lost all those interesting perks as part of the normal service.


    Lloyd¡¯s statement about hell came to mind as I drove away. Yes, I instigated the whole thing. Still, I¡¯m not going to lose sleep over it. And I know an honest district attorney might decide to put me into jail for a while. Guessing the police could take Lloyd¡¯s word for what happened, I changed my route back to the office. There is no reason to make it easy. I intended to make it difficult to pin things on me. A few phone calls might help me out.


    When I got there, I parked in the back and took the back stairs in the building to my office floor. Noticing the lights were off, I pulled out my keys and turned on the light when I entered.


    I looked at Alice¡¯s desk, half expecting she was there. My action shows how much I consider her nothing more than a part of this domain, an NPC made up for Cora Elder¡¯s world. It¡¯s kind of creepy if I really thought about it.


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    Going into my office, I picked up the phone and gave Adele a call. She picked up on the first ring.


    ¡°Lane, is that you?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Who else is calling you at night?¡± I said playfully.


    The worry in her voice made me frown. After a pause, she told me she was concerned.


    ¡°No need to feel that way. I¡¯m on my way home soon. Did you get Alice¡¯s call? I¡¯m cleaning up some stuff at the office.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she told me you¡¯d be late. I¡¯ll have something for you to eat when you get home.¡±


    I thanked her, then we said our goodbyes, and I hung up. Taking a deep breath, I leaned back in the chair as it squeaked. Pushing back my fedora, I looked at my unsteady hands with a surreal feeling washing over me. Feeling like a murderer will do that to you.


    After taking another deep breath, I called Sally Vaugh.


    ~~~


    Opening the apartment door about a quarter before nine, I found Adele sitting on the couch, listening to the radio. The music filling the room had men and women singing in harmony. I hadn¡¯t heard the song before, but that¡¯s not unusual.


    ¡°Did you accomplish what you wanted?¡± She rose from the sofa.


    I nodded and gave her a hug when she came up to me.


    ¡°You seem tired,¡± she told me. ¡°Dinner is warming in the oven.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but I¡¯m not really hungry,¡± I said. ¡°You haven¡¯t been bored, have you?¡±


    Adele sensed a problem; I could tell it in her expression. However, she patted my chest lightly before she wrapped her arms around me.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s been quiet. I missed you.¡±


    ¡°Same here. How did your day go?¡±


    Adele¡¯s face lit up, and she started telling me about her experiences while leading me into the kitchen.


    ¡°I called Sally and spoke to her directly. She wants to meet tomorrow, so we¡¯re meeting her for lunch,¡± she said as she pulled open the oven door. ¡°Oh, I called your office and Alice will remind you to meet us at Michel¡¯s. They have the best French food in the city.¡±


    I nodded, already knowing about the conversation. When I called Sally to let me know if she spotted anyone still following her, she explained about her phone call with Adele.


    ¡°Did you get a hold of Lees?¡± I sensed a need to walk that path very soon.


    Frowning, Adele shook her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid his servant is quite rude. I barely told him my name, and he said Mr. Lees has no intention of speaking with me.¡±


    The reaction caught my attention.


    ¡°Did you mention my name?¡±


    ¡°No, I only told him my name and that I¡¯d like to talk to Mr. Lees about Cora Elder.¡±


    Her expression told me the quick dismissal bothered her. It grated at me as well. When I double checked my little black book, there wasn¡¯t a single reference about Robert Lees or Cora Elder. To me, that showed the author of the black book didn¡¯t know about them or he didn¡¯t want to leave evidence of what he knew.


    If he was brought in like me, wouldn¡¯t he mention Cora?


    Adele offered me the plate as I considered the question. I shook my head. With a disappointed frown, she covered a metal top before putting it in the refrigerator.


    ¡°Say, I have an idea. Why don¡¯t we talk with Judge Seabury? He might give us some ideas.¡± I said while I enjoyed the view of her bending over at the refrigerator.


    ¡°Do you think that he¡¯d be interested?¡±


    ¡°Well, I say we go with the idea that you¡¯re writing a script for a radio program about the city¡¯s history and the Elders,¡± I continued. ¡°Heck, with the Seabury being friends with the mayor, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine with opening doors for us.¡±


    Adele nodded at the idea, but instead of excitement, her expression grew serious.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you explain more about why you think it¡¯s Cora Elder¡¯s ghost? I feel you¡¯re not telling me everything.¡±


    As much as I wanted to avoid details, I decided to give her some of the truth. Providing a brief account of my experience in the hospital with Miss Wonderful, I watched her reaction. Obviously, my version came without the demons. I had to admit she took it well. Adele regarded the evidence thoughtfully before reminding me I was on painkillers at the time. While I agreed with her, I brought up my two painful bleeding experiences that she witnessed.


    ¡°Something supernatural happened,¡± I said. ¡°So, unless we¡¯re all mental cases, something strange involving Cora Elder is going on, which involves me bleeding when I try to leave.¡±


    I just can¡¯t tell you everything!


    ¡°Heck, if you can tell me she¡¯s not a ghost, I¡¯m willing to listen. I just don¡¯t have another answer,¡± I lied.


    She got a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water as I watched her mulling over my experience. My wife pulled a bottle of aspirin from the drawer, spilling out two pills. She downed them with the water.


    ¡°This whole thing is so frustrating. I can¡¯t understand why this is happening to you.¡±


    Her frustrated tone made me happy even if it sounds crappy. It¡¯s nice to have someone who cares. I came up behind Adele and wrapped my arms around her.


    ¡°Who knows? But don¡¯t keep worrying yourself over it. We¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    That¡¯s when we heard a news broadcast on the radio about a shooting down on 14th Street. According to the announcer, the police are looking for a gray car with two men.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s near where we went yesterday.¡± Adele commented on the news.


    ¡°It sounds like that area is too dangerous for us to rent that building,¡± I said without a trace of irony.


    Yeah, I¡¯m going to hell!

 Chapter 41 – Adele Needs a New Friend

    Waking up the next morning, I half expected the police to be at my door. Instead, I found the morning newspaper. We had a subscription, which the apartment attendants put in front of our door each morning. So, I discovered that Lloyd Childress didn¡¯t get his revenge after I left. The police found him dead from three bullet wounds. However, his tragedy didn¡¯t even make the top paragraph in the article. Instead, the headline screamed about the death of two hoodlums. According to the newspaper reporter, two known criminals tried to escape from Stull Junction. However, justice came after an anonymous tip gave the police a description of their car and license plate number. I couldn¡¯t help but smirk when I read that.


    In a way, I felt I owed the last Lane Dagger something for his work on the little black book. Call it karma, justice, or just old-fashioned vengeance. I didn¡¯t plan on losing sleep over my role in helping put the whole thing to rest. Yeah, I¡¯m a hypocrite if I worry about it. Then again, I survived, and they didn¡¯t.


    I didn¡¯t mention anything to Adele. I just sat the paper down by the sofa before we had breakfast. Probably Adele would put the dots together and I wasn¡¯t totally sure of her reaction. Any questions that she might come up with could wait.


    ¡°Are you going to the office today?¡± Adele¡¯s question brought me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°Yeah, I need to speak with Alice. I haven¡¯t talked with her about me changing careers. Plus, I¡¯ll follow up with Judge Seabury while I¡¯m there. Like I said, he should have some information about Lees and the Elder¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Alright, since you¡¯re doing that, I¡¯m going back to the library today,¡± she said. ¡°I was thinking about things and your idea about Cora¡¯s ghost. I think I¡¯ll read more on the subject.¡±


    ¡°So, I¡¯m not a total mental case,¡± I teased her.


    ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t go that far,¡± she beamed. ¡°But I thought about the fact that Cora Elder and Robert Lees are both spiritualists. Maybe she¡¯s asking you to do something for her from her grave.¡±


    I rubbed my chin at the idea.


    She¡¯s pretty accurate about that!


    ¡°That¡¯s why I married you,¡± I declared. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful and smart.¡±


    Adele accepted the compliment with a smile.


    ¡°I should start telling you that you¡¯re too good with cliches, but I like it when you say those things and you mean it.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask you a serious question?¡± Looking at her cheerful expression, I dipped my toe into something that I believed might happen. Actually, it remained more of a hope so far.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said with a puzzled look.


    ¡°If I found a way to leave here on a one-way trip, would you go with me?¡± I interrupted when I saw her already agreeing.


    ¡°Hold it. Let me be more specific. Would you go on that one-way trip with me, even if we didn¡¯t have a dime when we reached the destination?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Of course I would,¡± she replied. Her expression turned to concern. ¡°We¡¯re not in financial trouble, are we? I know I haven¡¯t kept...¡±


    I put my hands up in the air as I interrupted.


    ¡°No, no, no, nothing like that, I swear. It¡¯s more of a rhetorical question.¡± I paused, then tried again. ¡°Think of this question more like a science fiction story. Say you and I could go to someplace that you¡¯ve never been to in the future, but we would have to start all over. Would you do something like that?¡±


    Adele leaned forward on her elbows as one eyebrow rose as she considered my question.


    ¡°Yes, I would,¡± she finally said as she turned serious. ¡°You¡¯re not telling me something.¡±


    Shaking my head, I took her hand.


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    ¡°Please don¡¯t overthink what I¡¯m asking. I really don¡¯t know, and I emphasize this, I really know anything. Sure, after seeing what¡¯s happened to me, I¡¯ve got thoughts, but none of them makes any sense. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be asking you to help me if I understood this. Sorry that I¡¯m rambling here.¡±


    She seemed to accept what I said.


    ¡°You better not run off without me, Lane Dagger. Otherwise, I¡¯ll do the same to you as this ghost,¡± she said with a wink.


    Somehow, I got the impression it wasn¡¯t really a joke.


    ~~~


    As I left the apartment, I heard Adele pick up the ringing phone. It was Jenny Penske, so I waved at Adele as I closed the door. I overheard her surprised reaction to something Jenny said from the hall, but I continued on my way.


    Maybe it was better that Jenny broke the news about the dead lawyer to her. After all, I had little doubt that her friend would throw all sorts of speculation into the mix. When I got into my car to drive away, I realized my thinking sounded a lot like a murderer trying to cover my tracks.


    At my office, I found Alice going through a pile of folders on her desk. I asked about them and she explained that the short stack represented various cases of potential clients.


    ¡°Wait a minute, are you saying these people want to hire me? When did these people show up?¡± I looked at my hazy outline of a secretary.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve not been around a lot over the past month. Most are simple ones that you told me to avoid, remember? You used to take all of them. I don¡¯t know why you stopped.¡±


    Curiosity got the best of me, and I asked to see them.


    ¡°Oh, my bad. I guess I didn¡¯t realize you were waiting for me,¡± I said after I apologized.


    ¡°My, you¡¯re changing,¡± she told me. I¡¯m sure there was a smirk on her face if I could see her. ¡°Do you have something else you want to ask me?¡±


    Since I can only guess that she knows something is up with me, I nodded and told her more about my future plans.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s hardly a surprise since you suddenly wanted me to type out these strange stories for you,¡± she sighed. ¡°To be honest, I think that would be better for you, anyway. You make me worry.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m concerned about you,¡± I explained, scratching my head at the idea.


    How can I be worried about someone who¡¯s not real?


    ¡°Anyway, I can¡¯t imagine that I can keep this office open. From what I¡¯ve seen so far, I can¡¯t even keep the lights on with the work I¡¯ve done lately.¡±


    Alice laughed and stood from the chair. I see a pile of folders floating in the air coming towards me.


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, take those folders into your office and look them over. I saw the hint of excitement in your face when you saw these. Believe it or not, I think you like the possibility of danger. Besides, nothing says that you can¡¯t do both jobs. Figure out what you¡¯re going to do first before you worry about me.¡±


    I took the pile from her and started toward the door, thinking that her assessment might be accurate.


    ¡°Say, can you get me Judge Seabury on the telephone?¡± I asked as I put the folders on my desk. ¡°I¡¯m still needing to fix another problem.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be here for you,¡± my nearly invisible secretary told me.


    ~~~


    Adele hung up the black handset after the long phone call with Jenny and slumped in the chair next to the wall. Her thoughts went over what her friend told her about Lloyd¡¯s death. According to Jenny, two men that he employed shot Childress last night. How Jenny knew that news Adele couldn¡¯t be sure. She told Adele that she had the inside scoop from another friend.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not the most interesting part,¡± Jenny told her with an air of satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that someone saw your husband talking to one man the police killed last night.¡±


    Adele immediately defended her husband and told her friend not to spread such a rumor.


    ¡°I swear, Jenny. There won¡¯t be a place for you to hide if you slander Lane with one of your rumors. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    Her friend turned apologetic, but the woman¡¯s smug tone remained until the end of the phone call.


    Adele took a deep breath and shook her head as she cleared her mind. The woman felt confident that she had told her such a thing to twist a knife inside of her. Jenny made up rumors and stories to suit her purposes. Plus, she still wanted Adele to divorce Lane.


    While Adele didn¡¯t hold any deep feeling for Lloyd, his violent death shook her. On top of that was Jenny¡¯s claim that he had died behind a building that she and Lane went to check out two days ago. If Jenny¡¯s information was correct, did Lane have something to do with the murder?


    It must be a coincidence!


    ¡°It has to be,¡± she stated aloud while getting up from the chair.


    Adele knew her friend liked to push her buttons. It had been that way since they met. Despite their differences, Adele found comfort in talking with her during the time of her problems with Lane. Over the past few years, she found the calculating and abrasive woman involving herself in Adele¡¯s affairs. Jenny once told Adele that she thought of her as a younger sister. Adele also only had Jenny to call a friend.


    But why do I still call her my friend?


    When faced with that fact, the woman suddenly thought of Sally Vaugh. Adele enjoyed the short time they spent together in Sacramento, even as they comforted each other. Sally carried a similar calculating nature as Jenny did. But the small blond woman also appeared to understand the suffering that Adele felt over Lane¡¯s condition. The two women found similar interests when they discussed their backgrounds. After another deep breath, Adele looked at her watch, then headed to the bedroom to get her purse. She decided to invite Sally over for drinks later this week.


    I need to find another friend!

 Chapter 42 – Why the Long Face?

    Judge Seabury sat on the park bench alone, staring through a thin line of trees that partially hid the Elder mansion on the hill.


    ¡°Judge, why the long face?¡± Shane O¡¯Conner walked up from the path to the parking area.


    ¡°You heard about Childress?¡±


    ¡°Sure, it couldn¡¯t have happened to a nicer son of a bitch.¡± O¡¯Conner sat at the other end of the bench with a grunt. ¡°I¡¯ve seen that guy working widows and divorcees for too long.¡±


    ¡°The master doesn¡¯t believe those men killed him intentionally,¡± the judge leaned back.


    ¡°What are you saying? That they accidentally shot him three times. I find that even stranger. The bullets came from their guns, according to my source, who works at the morgue.¡±


    O¡¯Conner pulled out a pack of cigarettes and knocked one partially out of the top to retrieve.


    ¡°It¡¯s wise that you keep up with things in our little world,¡± Seabury nodded. ¡°However, Childress¡¯s death creates more danger for us.¡±


    O¡¯Conner lit his cigarette and leaned back, ensuring that he didn¡¯t let the smoke drift over to the judge.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how, but that¡¯s not my pay grade, is it?¡±


    The judge ignored the comment.


    ¡°There are ways to have men do your work for you. Someone told the master that they found firecrackers on the scene. Reminiscent of something that occurred at the train station when those two women left town with Mr. Dagger,¡± the old man smiled to himself.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear about that,¡± the ex-cop confessed.


    ¡°Probably not, since many of the policemen don¡¯t trust you. However, my friend at the district attorney¡¯ office filled me in about it. One of the police interrogators discovered the rouse from one of Antonio¡¯s associates watching the train station that day. I suggest that it¡¯s not a coincidence.¡±


    Blowing out a puff from his cancer stick, O¡¯Conner chuckled.


    ¡°I love it, ol¡¯ Dagger¡¯s got some methods to his madness.


    ¡°Yes, and he poses a great danger!¡± The judge¡¯s tone grew dark. ¡°He¡¯s an outsider.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± O¡¯Conner sat up at the news.


    Seabury shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m not completely sure. His bloodline traces from here, but he¡¯s turned reckless. I had a report done, and he comes from Stull Junction. You should recall that when Dagger grew ambitious about money, his methods changed. It¡¯s happened again. He disappears, then comes back a changed person.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he started taking every odd job, even giving information to Antonio and Childress. I¡¯d say a lot of folks wanted him dead for the secrets he uncovered.¡± Shane said. ¡°That¡¯s why he surprised me when he went to you to help with that Vaugh woman.¡±


    The judge nodded.


    ¡°I agree. It was unexpected. Now, Mr. Dagger shows he cares about those around him. I believe that¡¯s why he removed Childress from the equation. The Master senses something is changing in the city. That¡¯s why he¡¯s getting involved.¡±


    He paused briefly.


    ¡°I wonder if he¡¯s any good at chess?¡±


    The ex-cop grunted at the question.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already got a friend of Mrs. Dagger on our side. When I saw Lane and Sally Vaugh driving together the other day, I planted a rumor for that Penske dame to spread. She¡¯s just the type to keep the pressure up and cause a ruckus. Everything for Dagger will fall apart soon enough.¡±


    The judge shook his head and sighed.


    ¡°No, the master will meet the Dagger¡¯s. You¡¯ll go to the house as well. I¡¯m afraid they¡¯ll disappear. I believe the master is afraid of this outsider.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. He¡¯s afraid?¡± Shane scoffed when he remembered the master¡¯s cold-blooded, calculating methods.


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    ¡°Not of Dagger as much as the woman. She still controls much inside this place.¡± The judge looked up at the sky.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me I¡¯m taking care of this inside the house? He said both of them?¡± The ex-policeman took another deep puff from his smoke.


    The judge nodded.


    ¡°Too bad. She¡¯s a cute thing.¡±


    O¡¯Conner flipped his half-finished cigarette away.


    ¡°Damn, just when I was starting to like the guy. Oh well, I guess I¡¯ll keep his girlfriend happy after I finish my job.¡±


    ~~~


    Lunch with Adele and Sally went well for them. For me, it felt like I was walking on glass with bare feet every time I heard the conversation heading towards potential landmines. Sally agreed to an additional five percent of the company based on Adele¡¯s analysis. I broke out in a sweat when I felt Sally¡¯s foot riding up my leg during the conversation.


    ¡°Is there something wrong with the food?¡± Adele asked when she noticed my expression.


    ¡°No...nothing like that,¡± I hastily said. ¡°I¡¯m just having problems keeping up with the business side. I didn¡¯t realize you spent so much time on those figures in Sally¡¯s offer.¡±


    She giggled at my statement, and I noticed Sally¡¯s mischievous grin.


    ¡°Your wife is fantastic at this. You should have her run this new business venture she mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Adele told you about that?¡± The pit in my stomach grew when Sally said that. Adele was already too close to Sally for my comfort.


    I stammered out that it was a great idea, and my wife beamed at the thought.


    As we sat in a booth, the conversation shifted over to the death of Childress.


    ¡°You mentioned he was your lawyer,¡± Sally said to Adele. ¡°I¡¯m sure the news was quite shocking.¡±


    Looking uncomfortable, Adele nodded, and Sally guessed rightly that the woman didn¡¯t want to talk about it. The look on Lane¡¯s face told her the same. Their reaction surprised her, but she took it in stride.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to be a wet towel.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing you said,¡± Adele quickly replied. ¡°I...well, I don¡¯t like all the violence.¡±


    ¡°On a better note,¡± I jumped in, speaking to Adele. ¡°I talked to Judge Seabury this morning. He¡¯s going to help us meet with Robert Lees at the Elder House.¡±


    Immediately, she showed her excitement.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s great news. Maybe we can find out more about Cora Elder.¡±


    ¡°Why the interest in her?¡± Sally glanced at me before asking the question. ¡°Is it because she disappeared?¡±


    I didn¡¯t need to say anything, as Adele took over the discussion. She gave Sally an update about my condition and hearing Cora in my head. My wife also gave her theory about Cora¡¯s ghost attempting to rest her soul. Some ideas she laid out were new to me, so I assumed they came from her trip to the library earlier.


    As the two women continued to talk, I noticed how engaged Sally became in the idea. Just watching her interaction with Adele reminded me how lonely both women must be. Sally struggled with maintaining a business and she mentioned no friends. Adele only had Jenny, who I wanted to keep as far away as possible from her. I struggled at the closeness of the two while knowing they needed each other.


    Hell of a dilemma, I thought.


    As we finished lunch and left the table, the two women went to the bathroom while I paid for the meals. I felt better as the talk never swerved into any sensitive areas and we closed out in agreement with the company. I waited, looking out the window to the parking lot, when I heard Sally¡¯s voice.


    ¡°You should have seen your face earlier. I thought you were having kittens.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, heart attacks can do that,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she smirked. ¡°I like both of you too much. Adele and I are going to meet more often for snacks and drinks. I¡¯ll put in a good word for you.¡±


    She grinned and drew closer to me.


    ¡°Come by my place tomorrow at noon. I need help with something.¡± The whisper in my ear sent a pleasant chill down my back.


    Nodding, I remained quiet. A minute later, Adele joined us, and we left the restaurant. As I walked behind them, I enjoyed watching their swaying, sexy asses nicely outlined by their dresses. A guy can get interesting thoughts from such a view.


    Shane O¡¯Conner pulled along the curb; parking out in front of the house where Jenny Penske lived. As he walked up to the front door, he noticed the black Packard Convertible sitting in the back of the driveway, next to her red one.


    I guess her latest boy toy is here.


    O¡¯Conner rang the bell and a handsome young man with black hair and wearing a robe over his shorts opened the door. He pushed past the surprised man and entered the living room. Lying on the couch in her underwear and holding a glass of wine was Jenny. She glanced over and frowned as her lover protested at O¡¯Conner¡¯s entry.


    ¡°That¡¯s rather rude,¡± she said after telling Mark to be quiet. ¡°I might become embarrassed if a man walked in when I¡¯m undressed.¡±


    ¡°Lady, you¡¯d undress at the drop of a dollar. Get junior out of here. We need to chat. There¡¯s a problem.¡± O¡¯Conner took a seat in the padded chair across from Jenny.


    ¡°Say, what¡¯s this about?¡± her lover came around the chair.


    ¡°Mark, it¡¯s time for you to leave,¡± Penske said smoothly as she rose from the sofa. She stepped over to the man and kissed him on the cheek. ¡°I call you later.¡±


    Mark glared at O¡¯Conner who returned a mocking grin. He knew the smaller man wouldn¡¯t try anything. The ex-cop sized up Mark Finney when he first started looking into Penske. Finney got money from daddy¡¯s and mommy¡¯s trust fund along with a reputation for seducing the wives of Stull Junction. No doubt, Penske planned to use Finney on Adele Dagger at some point.


    Jenny¡¯s lover left the room in a huff while Jenny picked up the wine bottle from the sofa table and topped off her glass.


    ¡°I¡¯d offer you some, but you are always about business,¡± she said.


    ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯ve had you already and I¡¯m not into gold diggers.¡±


    He looked over at the door where Mark went, then took a deep breath. The master¡¯s plans interrupted his own designs for the future. O¡¯Conner decided where he could benefit from the coming work set up for him.


    Leaning forward, he watched the woman take a seat on the couch again. While she had a lean body with plenty of sexiness, Shane noticed the lines around her eyes and the slight pouch developing in her abdomen.


    You¡¯re a party gal trying to hang on to the good ol¡¯ days.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cut to the chase,¡± he said. ¡°If you want your friend to remain in the living¡¯s world, you should make sure that she doesn¡¯t enter the Elder mansion tonight.¡±

 Chapter 43 – Jenny’s Treachery

    After O¡¯Conner left her house, Jenny debated her next steps. She knew that the ex-cop carried ties to the people running Stull Junction. The woman also knew enough not to get on the wrong side of those people.


    Leaning back in her chair, Penske enjoyed the idea of Lane Dagger meeting his downfall. After all, he treated her and Adele like pond scum. Jenny certainly didn¡¯t believe in the sudden reformation of the bastard. However, O¡¯Conner¡¯s warning left her with a quandary.


    Adele wouldn¡¯t believe her. She told Penske as much the last time they met a few days ago. While Adele was Jenny¡¯s only staunch friend, the woman recognized her continued insistence to divorce had pushed her friend into a corner.


    How can she still love him?


    Falling in love with a man is absurd and Jenny understood this from the start. Her brief time in college, where she met Adele, brought Jenny a handsome college guy from a wealthy family. A year later, she had her annulment and fifty thousand to walk away. After that, her next husbands became steppingstones toward a life of ease and decadence.


    When she was younger, Jenny saw independence in making her own path as the goal. Later, her time in the large cities developed into a relentless monotony of false smiles amid people exactly like herself.


    After a while, boredom brought the need to fulfill fantasies with other lonely people, which included wealthy deviants who did not care about the age or sex of their partners. While the lifestyle left her isolated from proper society, the woman told herself such things didn¡¯t matter since it gave her happiness. Still, she was never sure if such happiness really existed inside of her.


    However, the one thing the woman found she learned to rely upon was Adele. Her friend recognized Penske¡¯s pettiness and shallowness. Still, she patiently listened to her, offering comfort and advice. Jenny valued such a friendship to the point she wanted more. The woman believed she understood Adele¡¯s deepest feelings as only a woman could. Jenny knew Adele wanted to fulfill her fantasies; she just didn¡¯t realize it was Jenny who held the key. Adele certainly didn¡¯t need a man to make that happen. Only a friend and lover would help her reach the pinnacle of happiness.


    She can fool herself, but she can¡¯t fool me.


    The woman went to the phone and called Adele¡¯s apartment. She let it ring through, then hung up and dialed again. After the second time, Jenny slammed the handset down on the cradle.


    Hurrying into the bedroom, she dressed while debating what she would tell her friend. As she headed to the door, Penske decided to use the rumor that O¡¯Conner had left her when he mentioned seeing Adele¡¯s husband and Sally Vaugh together.


    I can always bring jealousy into the mix, she decided.


    ~~~


    As Lane and Adele took the steps into the Royal Building, they heard someone call out to them. Turning back, the couple saw Judge Seabury getting out of a cab, while handing the driver his money.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad that I caught you,¡± he said, waving them over. ¡°I was on my way up to see you.¡±


    The couple met the judge in the middle of the sidewalk, and he smiled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that I¡¯ve been introduced,¡± he looked at my wife.


    After I introduced them, he winked at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lucky man, Mr. Dagger. By the way, I have good news. I made several phone calls and Mr. Lees graciously asked that you join him at the Elder mansion this evening.¡± The old man guided them back to the steps as he talked.


    ¡°It took a bit of persuading, but he found your idea about Cora interesting.¡±


    I glanced over at Adele, who was already brimming with excitement.


    ¡°What pitfalls should we expect?¡± I tried to keep emotions in check after Adele¡¯s roadblock before.


    ¡°Oh, nothing like that. You see, Mr. Lees is a hermit by nature and seldom allows visitors. In a way, he reminds me of Cora Elder.¡± The judge held the door open for Adele.


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    ¡°Judge, did you know Cora Elder well?¡± Adele asked as we took the stairs to my office.


    ¡°Oh, only in passing. She was an exotic creature from what I witnessed,¡± he said.


    Exotic is one way to describe her!


    ¡°Whatever happened to the police investigation into her disappearance?¡± I wondered out loud. ¡°I guess we should look into that.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll find much,¡± the judge stated with conviction. ¡°I watched her leave the viewing stands we set up for the parade. It was unusual since she seldom showed up for events.¡±


    ¡°Was there anything else you remember?¡± I found myself asking questions like a TV detective.


    The judge glanced at me with a bemused smile.


    ¡°Only that she didn¡¯t seem to enjoy the parade. Perhaps she was worried about something.¡±


    ¡°Oh, why¡¯s that?¡± Adele asked, while I opened the door to my outer office.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say I would know,¡± Seabury shrugged. ¡°Maybe she noticed Mr. Lees was in the stands. I know she didn¡¯t like him.¡±


    I felt Adele glance at me. His story didn¡¯t match what the research that Adele found about Lees.


    ¡°So, she left, and no one saw Cora Elder again, is that it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s an excellent summary. According to what I know, no one saw her after she entered the park on the way back to her home,¡± he explained. ¡°The police combed the area over several days and didn¡¯t find anything. Shane told me that their best theory was she deliberately left town. I suppose she got bored with the rumors about her and the men.¡±


    Adele thought about the idea as I introduced Seabury to my secretary. I hesitated at one point when I caught sight of Alice¡¯s eyes for the first time.


    Why the hell is she slowly appearing to me?


    After the old man sat on the couch in my office, I asked for details about the man we met that evening.


    ¡°I certainly don¡¯t want to ask him something personal that might upset him,¡± I explained. In truth, I didn¡¯t trust the sudden change to Lees¡¯ meeting us after Adele¡¯s chilly reception from her call.


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s a small man with an almost divine presence,¡± the judge said as I leaned against my desk. ¡°I remember thinking appeared somewhat timid when we first met. Quickly, I discovered how much I misjudged him. When he joined our club, I quickly understood my mistake in thinking he¡¯s just another outsider.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by an outsider?¡± Adele interrupted. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the term a lot recently, but I¡¯ve never quite understood what it meant.¡±


    Judge Seabury gazed at her quietly for a moment as he appeared to gather his answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re from Stull Junction. You see, I came to Stull Junction not long after Cora Elders which I¡¯m sure she had something to do with. The natives look at those of us who came in after our birth as outsiders, almost intruders, if you will. Your husband is the ultimate outsider, if my guess is correct.¡±


    Yeah, the old man¡¯s glint as he told Adele that bit of news made me sweat. I forced myself to remain nonchalant, but I¡¯ll bet he noticed my expression changed.


    ¡°Oh, I know Lane¡¯s not from here, but I¡¯m not from this city,¡± she glanced over at me. ¡°My parents told me I was born in Ohio.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you think that you¡¯re an outsider?¡± Seabury appeared amused by the statement.


    ¡°Getting back to your meeting tonight,¡± he continued. ¡°No doubt you already know that Mr. Lees is a spiritualist, but he¡¯s also quite scholarly. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find him very interesting. You should really ask about his thoughts about our town and Miss Elders. Have you found out much about him from your research?¡±


    Adele told him what she knew, and she mentioned a couple of other items she determined from her morning at the library. The judge confirmed her suspicions that he came to Stull Junction to meet with Cora Elder. According to Seabury, Lees arrived after the woman went missing.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious how a woman goes missing, yet her mansion is now under the ownership of Robert Lees?¡±


    I wondered aloud after going to the window and looking down at the street. The judge grunted uncomfortably at my thought.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I can tell you. Perhaps Mr. Lees will give you more details. Unfortunately, I need to take my leave. I wish you the best at your dinner tonight.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, I need to get going as well,¡± Adele exclaimed after glancing at her watch, then turned to me as she followed the judge from the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the apartment. You come home early,¡± she looked back at me.


    I knew that look by now. It meant I had no choice. I smiled with a nod.


    When Adele arrived at the apartment building, she found Jenny waiting for her in the lobby. Her friend appeared subdued as she stood up from the lobby couch.


    ¡°You¡¯re hard to get ahold of,¡± Penske told her.


    ¡°Come on up. I have to get ready while we talk. Lane and I are having dinner tonight with Robert Lees.¡±


    Adele headed for the stairs, missing the expression on the woman¡¯s face in her excitement. Penske remained quiet while Adele gave her a rundown of her day.


    ¡°Wait a minute, are you saying that Judge Seabury put this together?¡± Her friend stopped suddenly halfway up the stairway.


    ¡°Yes, why is there a problem?¡± Adele looked back.


    Shaking her head, Jenny continued upward. When they got to the next floor, she finally asked about something bothering her.


    ¡°Why this interest in the Elder Mansion?¡±


    Caught by the sudden question, Adele hurriedly gave her explanation.


    ¡°Well, Lane¡¯s leaving his work and moving into a new career. I¡¯ve been helping him with the research. We¡¯re working on a radio script about the Elder¡¯s.¡±


    Her friend held back on the surprised expression, but she still let her sarcasm get through.


    ¡°He¡¯s never struck me as that type.¡±


    While visibly irritated, Adele let the remark go. She unlocked the door to the apartment.


    ¡°Jenny, why are you here? You always call me away to show me your lifestyle or you¡¯re putting on that cynical badmouth routine about the latest gossip.¡±


    Adele walked toward the bedroom, but Jenny Penske¡¯s words stopped her.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for you. I know that your husband¡¯s been sleeping with Sally Vaugh.¡±

 Chapter 44 – Tension while Meeting Robert James Lees

    I arrived at the apartment to find the place dark. Only a single hallway light came from the back, showing the master bedroom door closed. Guessing Adele was getting ready, I walked back to the door and thought I heard soft sobbing. I knocked and asked if something was wrong.


    ¡°No, dear, just give me a minute. I¡¯m trying to finish up.¡±


    I could tell by the sound of her voice that something was wrong, but I turned away from the door and went into the office. Distracted by Adele¡¯s tone, I sat in the chair and thought about the possible reasons. Of course, the first thing that came to mind was Sally Vaugh. However, my thoughts soon turned to the meeting with Lees in an hour. For some strange reason, the conversation with Judge Seabury annoyed me. There was something off in the way he presented everything, especially how he emphasized outsiders.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re one of the few outsiders they can¡¯t figure out.¡± Miss Wonderful¡¯s voice suddenly entered my head. ¡°You should be careful. It was a night like this that I disappeared.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked the silent room.


    However, Cora¡¯s voice didn¡¯t return. I looked over at the shadows in the corner, expecting her and the demons to enter, but nothing happened.


    ¡°Did you say something?¡± Adele entered the office as I stared at the corner.


    ¡°Just talking out loud,¡± I said after shaking my head. After thinking about it for a moment, I finally sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about tonight.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Adele remained by the door.


    I stood from the chair and ran my hand through my hair, then shaking my head again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t like the feeling,¡± I replied, then turned toward her. ¡°The way this is playing out bothers me. First you get a chilly reception from Lees. Next, the judge talked with him and now we¡¯re supposed to have dinner like we¡¯re VIPs or something. It seems strange.¡±


    Hesitating at first, I finally gave into my thoughts.


    ¡°Listen, if something appears out of sorts tonight, go with your gut and let me know that we need to leave.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± Her eyes widened as I came closer. ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I told her. ¡°Just something is nagging at me about how the judge kept implying something but never came out to say it. On top of that, Lees apparently saw Cora the day of her disappearance. But the judge mentioned he arrived after Cora¡¯s disappearance. Then, Lees has the mansion. That¡¯s too convenient for my taste.¡±


    ¡°But the newspaper article said that Mr. Lees was in San Francisco. The judge must be forgetting something. Don¡¯t you trust Judge Seabury?¡± Adele¡¯s tone showed her worry.


    ¡°I thought so, but I¡¯m getting it through my thick skull that things in this town aren¡¯t clear cut. Plus, important people can change things to match their needs. A few dollars here and there will make things happen the way they want.¡±


    Obviously, I didn¡¯t tell Adele that I also believed Cora and maybe Lees could manipulate time in Stull Junction. If Cora has the power to pull me from the future, then what¡¯s stopping her or others from changing records? That¡¯s the reason I still have a hard time believing Miss Wonderful¡¯s story of not knowing things about her disappearance.


    When I put my arms around Adele, I felt her body grow tense. I pulled back and asked her what was wrong.


    ¡°No... nothing. I guess I¡¯m anxious like you are.¡± Adele patted my chest. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s just dinner and conversation. You wash up. We¡¯ll need to leave soon.¡±


    Nodding, I stepped past her and caught sight of her red eyes in the dim light.


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    ¡°Are you sure that you¡¯re alright with going to this?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Go wash up and get ready. I¡¯m fine.¡± Adele told me as she went into the kitchen.


    ~~~


    The nearly silent drive to the Elders¡¯ mansion told me that Adele wasn¡¯t fine, but I couldn¡¯t get her to say anything. I mentioned how beautiful she looked in the long, pale blue dress she wore. She smiled briefly before returning to her thoughts. However, my concerns quickly changed when I pulled into the circular drive of the enormous two-story building after passing the open gate.


    As the car stopped by the marble steps leading up to the main entrance, the porch light turned on. Actually, a huge hanging chandelier hung from under the portico. Its long reflective crystals dangling under the arms which held the massive lightbulbs, lighting up the front area like a stadium at night. However, the Southern antebellum style architecture with massive columns gave the place an eerie quality. The dark windows show nothing inside the building.


    A butler wearing a dark tuxedo like suit opened the door when the couple reached the porch. His pale face and drooping eyelids fit the creepy vibe that I felt when he opened the door wide for us to enter.


    Inside, darkness filled the rooms on either side of the hallway, where we saw the outlines of furniture, each covered with sheets. I sensed dust covering everything, but the tiled floor appeared immaculate.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Isn¡¯t he living here? This place looks like it¡¯s abandoned.¡± Adele whispered to me as we followed the silent butler.


    I shrugged, trying to engage the man we¡¯re following, but he remained silent. A chill fell down my spine as we followed the mechanical movements of the man leading us to the back of the mansion. We came to a large dining room, lit by candlelight, which might be romantic but hardly putting our minds at ease with a creepy butler leading the way.


    The silent man pointed to the end of the long table where the silver utensils and cloth napkins show us our seats. The head of the table was the only other place setting. Despite the enormous size of the room, whispering appeared appropriate.


    ¡°I assume that¡¯s for our host,¡± I told Adele, who nodded as I pulled a chair for her.


    While I sat across from her, the uncomfortable vibe continued while she avoided looking at me. Getting perturbed at the silent treatment, I was about to speak when the door opened, and our host entered the room.


    ¡°Welcome to my home,¡± a small man stated as he walked to Adele¡¯s chair. ¡°Robert James Lees at your service. I¡¯m pleased to meet you.¡±


    As I watched him bow before Adele, my initial thought was the man looked like an uptight religious professor with his black vested suit. Aside from his nearly bald head with just a wrapping of brown hair around the sides, Lees also had piercing blue eyes.


    After his introduction, I shook hands with the man whose height barely reached my chin. Still, his eyes carried an intensity to peer deep inside of you, a bit uncanny for my taste.


    ¡°Ah, Mr. Dagger, your reputation precedes you. I thank you for coming tonight.¡±


    As we sat back in our chairs, I glanced over at Adele for her reaction to the comment. I couldn¡¯t tell if the statement was friendly or foreboding. My wife complimented the man on the mansion while the silent butler entered the room with a tray filled with bowls of soup, which he placed in front of us.


    I remained silent, smiling at Adele¡¯s rising excitement as she discussed the house with our host. For his part, Lees told us about his limited knowledge of the place. However, he spoke fondly of his accommodations inside and the gardens outside. When the conversation ebbed, Adele finally asked the question of the night.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious why you decided to meet with us, Mr. Lees? My first phone call indicated that you were hesitant to talk about the Elder¡¯s and this house.¡±


    The man smiled innocently when he replied.


    ¡°You have a nice way of putting it. I believe the appropriate metaphor was my assistant slammed the door in your face during the conversation.¡±


    Adele¡¯s face paled slightly before she tactfully nodded. As I watched them, the silent butler replaced our soup bowls with the main course on plates. I overlooked the tempting smell under my nose as I tried to gauge every expression and word coming from Lees. My second impression was he carried more than a hint of sleaze. Hidden but still there if you looked past the fa?ade he wore in his expression. His sharp eyes exposed reminded me of Cora.


    ¡°Yes, I apologize for his actions. Now, as I understand it, you have an idea for doing a program about the Elder family and this house. Is that correct?¡±


    My wife smiled and immediately gave our host an overview of her research about Cora and the family. Lees visibly brightened as he listened, his glance occasionally turning my way. He interjected several questions and thoughts which sounded like a professor speaking to his students. In the end, he told us nothing useful about Cora or her family.


    In fact, how Lees kept up his silly grin while bending her questions into bland statements of useless trivia finally gnawed at me. His air of superiority didn¡¯t help my disposition, either. In fact, I barely noticed the taste of the food as more questions came to my mind.


    Finally, I came at him with a direct question as we finished the meal.


    ¡°Something keeps bothering me,¡± I stated as Lees looked over at me. ¡°


    ¡°Mr. Dagger, I think it¡¯s time to discuss the real reason that you¡¯re here tonight,¡± he interrupted. ¡°Let¡¯s adjourn for the moment and go to the parlor. I¡¯m sure your lovely wife will enjoy the gardens in the moonlight. Plus, I have tea ready for us.¡±

 Chapter 45 Revelations

    We entered the brightly lit parlor with yellow and red floral wallpaper and antique furniture. On each side of the couch were two end tables filled with small porcelain animals, which reminded me of something in an old lady¡¯s house. A tea cart sat next to the delicate couch with a heavy silver teapot gleaming in the light. I noticed a blue flame under the teapot, keeping the water warm. Like the dinner, the pre-arranged nature of the rooms appeared like he wanted to dazzle us with his planning ability.


    ¡°Do you mind serving?¡± Lees asked Adele. ¡°My butler is cleaning up. Unfortunately, I have only one servant to handle such a large house.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s tough,¡± I replied with plenty of sarcasm as Adele went to the cart.


    Lees took a seat on the couch as I continued to stand.


    ¡°Do you mind explaining more about your comment earlier? Adele and I are only interested in finding out more about Cora Elder¡¯s disappearance as part of this script we¡¯re writing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, come now. Let¡¯s drop the pretense. You¡¯re here to help Cora Elder. Do you think an outsider can escape my notice?¡±


    Adele¡¯s eyes caught mine when she handed a teacup to me.


    ¡°What is it with this outsider nonsense?¡± I glared at him. ¡°That¡¯s the second time I¡¯ve heard it today.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you really don¡¯t want to admit it. Is it because of your wife? Are you afraid of admitting the truth to her?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± my voice nearly growled out the words.


    He had me by the short hairs, and it made me angry. How in the hell could I explain my arrival in Stull Junction and the things Cora told me? Yet, this man calmly sipping on his tea appeared unfazed by my reaction. Then, I realized Adele was staring at me. Her expression told me she had questions as well.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s force the issue when you answer my questions.¡± Lees caught the looks between Adele and me.


    ¡°Tell me something, Lane Dagger. How is it you keep coming back to life? By my count, Lane Dagger has died at least four times, only to be resurrected by Cora Elder.¡±


    He turned his gaze to Adele, who nearly choked on her tea at the question.


    ¡°Surely, you noticed the changes in your husband, Mrs. Dagger. I¡¯m confident that his clothes probably didn¡¯t fit. No doubt, your husband¡¯s manner changed several times around you over the past year. No person can¡¯t come back from the dead, not even in Stull Junction. How do you explain these inconsistencies? I know you¡¯ve got questions buried you¡¯ve never asked this version of Lane Dagger.¡±


    Adele¡¯s eyes widened, and her face paled in confirmation. I stood there like a dope, unable to reply. Lees¡¯ expression turned stony, yet I noticed the excitement in his piercing eyes. Like we were his students, the man wanted to explain. He turned to me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give Cora credit. At first, I had no idea that she was using the form of a dead familiar to bring in an outsider. The changes were slight at first. When I thought we removed Lane Dagger, he would come back within a day or two to rejoin our community. Of course I blamed my allies for their lack of capability. Important people can¡¯t be bothered by the movement of ants.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not following you,¡± I lied. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re going on about, but why would you care about rumors? You¡¯re a recluse sitting in this stupid mansion with no life.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that just shows how na?ve you are. I see far more than you can imagine. Do you think the shadows you¡¯ve seen come from only Cora? I can come and go wherever I please within Stull Junction.¡±


    His toothy, condescending grin made me want to smack him.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking her dimension from the inside. Didn¡¯t Cora explain that to you?¡±


    ¡°L..Lane, what¡¯s he talking about?¡±


    Adele¡¯s nervous tone interrupted us. I was at a loss for what to say. The reality was coming out, but I had no way of controlling the effects. Still, I¡¯m a stubborn person.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Adele, remember, he¡¯s a spiritualist. In the end, they¡¯re like all the con men who¡¯ll say anything to make you believe. He¡¯s probably used that to get people to believe in him.¡±


    I wanted to crush the cold teacup in my hand as I still stood in the middle of the room. Our host glared at me for the comment.


    ¡°I suggest you refrain from insulting me,¡± he stated. ¡°While it¡¯s true that such people undermine our profession, I¡¯m far beyond a spiritualist.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you think that you¡¯re a theurgist, or maybe an enchanter?¡± I said with plenty of sarcasm.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve done your research. That¡¯s good. At first, I considered Cora to be another charlatan like so many others. Of course, my thoughts about how she formidable she was didn¡¯t reach me until I returned from overseas.¡±


    He paused, leaning back in thought.


    ¡°Yes, I was in New York when the headlines said she was dying. You can imagine the jolt to me. I needed to talk with her, to understand something in her writings. So, I went to her home. Unfortunately, I was too late when I arrived in Chicago, and I found an old woman in her eighties inside a coffin. That was in 1928.¡±


    Adele nearly dropped her cup.


    ¡°Wait, Cora disappeared here about a year ago. It was in the papers and Judge Seabury told us about seeing her. She wasn¡¯t that old.¡±


    The man smiled with a knowing look.


    ¡°Your lady, Cora Elder, came into her dimension by leaving her dying body. My rival is a formidable opponent as an enchanter. She took the form you see from her younger life with the help of elementals. Granted, the dimension and her latest death limit her power, but she still wields considerable control over Stull Junction. But not for much longer. I¡¯ve obtained her keystone and now it¡¯s just a matter of time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy,¡± Adele interjected.


    Lees grinned at her.


    ¡°Really? Tell me, what year is it?¡±


    Adele glanced at me before answering.


    ¡°It¡¯s 1940, of course.¡±


    ¡°When did Cora Elder disappear?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s...it¡¯s,¡± she frowned, turning to me for help. ¡°It was last year. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    ¡°You should double check your source material. I think you¡¯ll find she disappeared in 1940. There¡¯s a reason each calendar and all the newspapers in Stull Junction continue to use the same year. Cora still wields significate illusion skill. However, time cannot progress inside this sphere. It always remains stagnant, like the familiars in this dimension. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve started adding outsiders. I want to spice things up a bit. We need to move forward.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Adele said, turning to me. ¡°Lane, he said how much you¡¯ve changed. It¡¯s the same thing you told me. How could he know?¡±


    Ignoring her question, I went after Lees.


    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, you haven¡¯t done anything but take over a house when someone disappeared. What¡¯s the point of this conversation tonight?¡±


    Trying to shut down a weird discussion which threatened to expose questions I didn¡¯t want to answer, I moved to the tea cart. Lees frowned at my statement.


    ¡°I noticed you like to dance around the issues,¡± he said. ¡°Let me put it clearly for you. Your presence in Stull Junction threatens everyone. Obviously, Cora wants to use you as a trump card. How else could you change the direction of my planned events so quickly?¡±


    He looked at Adele.


    ¡°You remain confused. It¡¯s not surprising that someone with implanted memories can¡¯t see the truth. Did you know that he changed his relationship with Freddie Antonio and your boyfriend, Mr. Childress? Why the sudden need to damage the relationship with those who were his partners?¡±


    ¡°We talked about it, and I trust him,¡± she said as she blushed.


    A grimace came to his lips.


    ¡°Yes, I guess you¡¯re not smart enough. That¡¯s expected since you¡¯re nothing but a familiar. In the end your knowledge and actions aren¡¯t relevant. My guess is you¡¯re nothing more¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough of this. Come on, Adele. He¡¯s talking like a madman.¡± I saw my opening to get out and took it.


    Adele stood and put her cup down on the cart as I joined her.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid the evening isn¡¯t quite over,¡± Lees told us. ¡°I¡¯ve invited another person to join us. Mr. O¡¯Conner has waited for this moment from the garden. Please come in.¡±


    Sure enough, when I turned around, I saw Shane O¡¯Conner walk into the room. In his hand was a revolver, which he had leveled at me. Of course, I¡¯m unarmed, so the odds really suck.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Shane shrugged apologetically. ¡°You¡¯re a danger that we need to fix.¡±


    ¡°This makes me guess how Cora Elder got it that night.¡± I felt my mouth turn dry. ¡°What¡¯s the reason you and the judge work for this guy?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s complicated. Mr. Lees spoke to a few of us that Cora brought into the city and we see the need for change.¡± He glanced at Adele.


    ¡°Since your wife likes gardens, why don¡¯t we go outside? We can make this quick.¡± The man with the gun suggested with a grim smile.


    Adele¡¯s arm pressed against mine as Lees rose from the couch. He stepped next to the cart and put the cup down.


    ¡°Let Adele go. She has nothing to do with me coming here,¡± I told him.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid my goals don¡¯t allow for a compromise here,¡± the bastard replied. ¡°Besides, you knew she was a familiar. I believe in your time; you call them NPC or something. I¡¯m told by people of your time that this place appears like a game. Everyone who¡¯s not an outsider is nothing more than a figment of imagination in some manner. Familiars are easily replaced, and therefore, quite expendable. The dimension keeps the balance so no need to worry about your wife. It¡¯s not like it¡¯ll matter in a few moments.¡±


    Hearing his words, I felt my rage quickly rising. However, my eyes remained on O¡¯Conner¡¯s gun as he came closer. I didn¡¯t see Adele¡¯s hand on the teakettle, and I certainly didn¡¯t expect her temper to erupt.


    Lees¡¯ scream when Adele suddenly slammed the hot pot into his face caught my attention. O¡¯Conner turned his pistol toward her as Lees fell to the floor. However, my reaction focused on O¡¯Conner who pointed his pistol at Adele. Yelling while I flung a tiny cup at him that I snatched up, I rushed him. The gun went off right when my hand grabbed the barrel.

 Chapter 46 – God, No!

    <div>


    The ex-cop¡¯s massive fist caught me in the face as my body slammed into O¡¯Conner¡¯s side. I saw stars, but the momentum of my action sent the gunman back into the side of a chair. We flipped over the top of the chair amid a crash of broken wood and scattered porcelain figurines. While my hand remained tightly gripped around the barrel of the gun, O¡¯Conner used his size to swing himself over me. His ruthless expression suddenly gave off a slight grin as he twisted the handle of the revolver, then slowly forced the pistol closer to my head. I tried kicking up with my leg, but his grin turned to a sneer as his other hand penned my free forearm to the floor. O¡¯Conner knew he had me. It was only a matter of time before the barrel of his gun lined up with my skull.


    Desperately, I squirmed around, but his strength and weight were too much for me. Eyeing the nearby coffee table, I noticed there was nothing to use against the ex-cop, even if I broke free. My hand wrapped around the barrel shook as I knew I was losing. In those frantic seconds, I kept hoping, while realizing death was coming quickly.


    I heard a hollow thud. Just before a splash of hot water landed on my face, O¡¯Conner¡¯s eyes rolled back. Then I felt his full weight when he collapsed on top of me. However, by this time, I¡¯m yelling in pain while trying to rub my sleeve over my closed eyes. A tug pulled at my sleeve, and I finally saw Adele hovering over me.


    ¡°Come on, get up!¡± she desperately urged me to my feet.


    Using her strength, I got to my knees, grabbing away the revolver from the semi-conscious O¡¯Conner who rolled back and forth with his head in his hands.


    Adele pulled on my jacket and finally I stood, using her shoulder to keep steady. The punch from O¡¯Conner did more damage than I realized as I scanned the room. I noticed Lees was missing. Seeing my scowl, Adele explained as she pushed me toward the open garden door.


    ¡°He ran off while you were fighting O¡¯Conner. He¡¯s injured.¡±


    Nodding, I hurried along as fast as my wobbly legs could take me. Adele still held on to the tea kettle while my hand held the revolver. I glance back to see O¡¯Conner shaking his head while trying to get to his feet. A momentary thought came to me.


    I should stop and kill that bastard!


    Still, I kept moving, telling myself the thought probably came from Miss Wonderful. At least I wanted to believe that. Otherwise, it sounds like I¡¯m killing for the fun of it, turning into one sick bastard with no morality left.


    We hurried into the garden, pushing past the water spurting from the massive fountain and a row of waist high bushes. A shot rang out, and I saw O¡¯Conner¡¯s silhouette in the open door of the house.


    ¡°Damn, how did he get a gun?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t see the expression on Adele¡¯s face, but I figured she was nearly afraid as I was. We entered the back of the garden, where the tall evergreen hedgerow swallowed our forms in the darkness. However, a tall wall cut off our escape. I felt Adele tug on my sleeve.


    ¡°I can¡¯t crawl over that. There has to be a gate out of here,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°You pick the way for us to go,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯ll take out O¡¯Conner if he comes our way. Just keep your head down.¡±


    It was unnecessary for me to tell her that, but I felt better warning her. I held on to her hand as Adele guided us between the brick wall and the hedgerow. Buried in the shadows, I occasionally made out the few lights coming through the mansion windows. Our direction appeared to take us closer to the house, and I heard footsteps coming from a nearby gravel path. As I pulled on Adele¡¯s wrist, she sensed my signal to stop. I whispered to her, reminding her about the sound of footsteps drawing closer.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    As we waited, I thought I heard movement coming from the other side of the wall. However, the sound of footsteps on gravel stopped, and Adele gave my arm a slight tug. I followed her, trying to stay quiet without stepping on her dress.


    Finally, we reached the end of the hedgerow. A closed gate stood a couple of paces away, but in full view of the garden. Patting her shoulder, I leaned close to her ear.


    ¡°I¡¯ll inch out and see if anyone¡¯s close,¡± I whispered. ¡°If we¡¯re clear, I¡¯ll wave for you to go with me to the gate. We have to get through quickly, so don¡¯t worry about the noise we¡¯ll make.¡±


    Take a deep breath. I started to move, and she grabbed me by the collar.


    ¡°Lane, don¡¯t you make a widow out of me,¡± she murmured and kissed me on the cheek.


    Quietly, I stepped along the wall until I could see some of the garden. Shadows fell across the area, making it difficult to see anything not directly in the path of light coming from a few windows. Slowly inching out from the evergreen tree, I noticed the light from the open garden door revealed more of the area near the fountain. Stepping back when I thought I saw movement, I waited for a moment. I convinced myself I was mistaken and moved closer to the gate while keeping the pistol pointed towards the garden. Glancing back with a frown when I heard Adele suddenly making her way to the gate, I moved towards her.


    Light steps across the gravel caught my attention, and I stopped. However, I couldn¡¯t pinpoint the direction. My nerves were on edge. The air filled with a high picked squeaking noise as Adele opened the gate. Sliding out into the light, the footsteps drew closer, but I still couldn¡¯t pin down the direction. The rusty iron noise wasn¡¯t helping me figure it out as I backed toward Adele.


    ¡°Get to your office!¡±


    Stopping, I wondered why Adele told me that.


    Wait, that¡¯s not her!


    Something moved to my right, nearly against the hedgerow. It was too late when I whipped around while falling back. The large shadow of O¡¯Conner stood in a firing position when I pulled the trigger. The explosions of our guns going off didn¡¯t even register. However, I tensed up from expected pain of his bullet striking me.


    Landing on my backside, I didn¡¯t feel anything but the pain coming from my butt. The momentum swung me around and I got to my knees. O¡¯Conner was no longer in sight. I stumbled to my feet, praising everything holy for keeping me alive. Holding his pistol pointed toward the hedgerow, I backed through the few paces left to the open gate. But I failed to account for O¡¯Conner hiding in the dark shadows next to the wall.


    When I heard a branch snap, I tried to turn only to get a hard push in my back. A pistol crack exploded in front of me, instantly followed by a thwack sound behind me. I fell face first on the ground with a deadweight landing on my leg. O¡¯Conner stood a couple of paces away against the garden wall. Ignoring the pain of my scraped wrist, I lifted the gun and pulled the trigger. The flash blinded me momentarily, and I desperately lifted myself to see who fell into me.


    Blinking away the stars filling my vision, I twisted around, hoping against hope. There was no doubt in my mind about who saved me. Within the surrounding darkness, I made out the outline of the crumpled woman in a dress laying on my leg.


    God, no!


    I swept the woman into my arms, thinking the worst. Rising to my knees while moving the woman into the light, I finally saw the one who saved me. It was a blond woman who I¡¯d never seen before.


    ¡°Lane, come this way!¡±


    Adele¡¯s voice broke me out of my shock. I saw her standing at the gate, leaning against the wall. Immediately, I caught a quick glance at O¡¯Conner who lay in a heap inside the hedgerow. Struggling to hold my unconscious savior in my arms, I stumbled toward Adele. When I got to the gate, I saw my wife¡¯s anxious face. One side of her face was bleeding and puffy. Before I could ask, she frantically waved to me to follow her.


    ¡°Is she still alive?¡±


    Her question had a conflicted tone as Adele stepped by my side while we hurried along. She placed her hand on the woman¡¯s throat.


    ¡°I can¡¯t feel her pulse, but don¡¯t stop! Follow the path to the front.¡±


    Adele stared at the woman¡¯s face as the shadows lessened. When we passed by a fading yellow light coming down from the second-story window, I finally got a good look at the woman¡¯s face. Leave it to me to notice she wore a lot of makeup.


    ¡°O¡¯Conner shot her as she pushed me away,¡± I explained between my heavy breaths. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that I got him, but he might still be alive.¡±


    When I said that, I suddenly felt a sticky wetness on my right hand that was under her back.


    ¡°She¡¯s bleeding a lot. We¡¯ve got to go straight to a hospital.¡±


    ¡°Lee¡¯s will look for our car. We¡¯ll take Jenny¡¯s instead!¡±


    That¡¯s when I realized the name of the person who saved my life.


    <div>

 Chapter 47 Aftermath

    We found Jenny Penske¡¯s car parked at the entrance to the driveway. Adele opened the car door and pushing the seatback forward for me to hoist the woman into the backseat. After checking and finding Jenny¡¯s faint pulse, I pushed my hand against her wound in her back. The warm squishiness of blood on my hand gave me a gut check about the reality of my near death. Jenny had no reason to save me, but still she took a bullet.


    Adele slid inside and started the engine. A moment later, the red Packard roared through the gates. We reached Peach Street, which ran by the park, and Adele took the corner like a professional driver. I hung on to Jenny while hoping a police car wasn¡¯t anywhere around.


    The thought came to me about all the trouble coming for us. I guessed Lees would contact the police about his injury. He¡¯d say we attacked him, then one of us shot O¡¯Conner. Since I still had O¡¯Conner¡¯s gun on me, that story made more sense than the truth. The more I thought about the jam we were in, the more I didn¡¯t like our chances.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine!¡± Adele¡¯s voice brought me out of my thoughts.


    I glanced up, seeing her pale face lit up by the dashboard light in the rearview mirror. She must be thinking about the same things. I leaned forward with a forced smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. She¡¯s still alive and I¡¯m glad someone¡¯s an optimist. We¡¯ll get your friend into the emergency room. Then, like you said, we¡¯ll head to my office. Nobody will go there looking for us first.¡±


    Her tense expression changed when she glanced into the mirror.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You whispered to me to get to the office when we got near the gate. It¡¯s a great idea. By the way, what happened to your face? It looks like you ran into something in the dark.¡±


    Adele¡¯s scowl was immediate.


    ¡°No! That was from Jenny. She tried to force me to leave without you. When I wouldn¡¯t go, she punched me.¡±


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Rage immediately filled me, and I looked down at the unconscious woman. ¡°She must have known this was going to happen.¡±


    Adele barely hit the brakes as she ran through a stop sign.


    ¡°O¡¯Conner warned her to get me away from the meeting tonight. She came by the apartment earlier, but she claimed you were sleeping with other women. She never told me the truth.¡±


    ¡°Then why did she come out and push me away? She could have let the bastard kill me and been happy.¡±


    I didn¡¯t see the glare coming from Adele, but I felt it.


    ¡°Jenny¡¯s not that way!¡± she declared. ¡°She followed us. Jenny was in a panic, begging me to leave. She kept insisting that she would save me. That was before she hit me.¡± Adele rubbed her cheek. ¡°I fell against the wall and hit my head. When I got back to my feet, I heard the gunshots.¡±


    Adele paused. I could tell she wanted to say more, then shifted the conversation.


    ¡°Whatever happens, we have to help her.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I know,¡± I replied. ¡°Hell, the way people keep gunning for me, they¡¯ll need to stand in line pretty soon.¡±


    There was no reaction from her when I tried to make light of it. The distant silence between us remained. With a sigh, I checked the injured woman¡¯s pulse again. I could barely feel it. While the backseat was pretty dark, I noticed the amount of blood that covered my clothing and Jenny¡¯s. The scene told me she wouldn¡¯t survive long without a doctor. But I decided to remain quiet about my observation. Adele was going through enough.


    A few moments later, Adele spun the wheel, and I felt the weight of two people sliding against the side of the Packard. Screeching tires and the roar of the engine made me momentarily think of a racetrack when I saw us hurling toward the hospital entrance. Adele came to a stop right at the curb, immediately sliding out the door before the engine stopped. We got Jenny out of the back of the vehicle, and I carried the woman up the steps and inside the hospital as Adele led the way.


    We pushed past the first nurse who came from behind the front desk, hurriedly explaining the situation while heading to the emergency ward. Another nurse pointed me to an open bed when I pushed through the double swinging doors. Immediately after I placed the woman on the bed, the nurse rolled Jenny over on her side, cutting away the blouse to see the wound. Then she ordered me out of the room. As I left, I got the impression that the nurse worried about me peeking.


    From the doors, I nodded for Adele to follow me. As she joined me, I noticed a large man in a white coat eyed me suspiciously. I looked at my suit. Covered in Jenny¡¯s blood, I knew I was a walking billboard for the police. But the big man¡¯s presence forced me to change my initial plan to leave quietly while saying nothing. With Adele¡¯s gaze on me, I leaned close to her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Heading over to the man who stood next to the admission¡¯s nurse, I acted like pompous politician.


    ¡°We need to get the police over here now. They¡¯ll want to know that Shane O¡¯Conner shot that woman I just brought in. They¡¯ll also want to know that it happened at the Elder mansion in the back garden.¡±


    If it was any other time, I¡¯d have a lot of fun with my acting, a bigshot with a bogus air of authority.


    ¡°Now, I need you to find me security for that woman inside that room.¡±


    The act worked as the attendant stiffened and his face paled. The admission¡¯s nurse immediately hurried back to the front of the building. However, she stopped when I called her.


    ¡°Be careful what you tell the police,¡± I warned her. ¡°Robert James Lees is involved in this business. We¡¯re sure that he¡¯s involved with attempted murder. I¡¯ll call the D.A. personally, since we have Jenny Penske as a witness to everything that occurred tonight.¡±


    Turning back to the attendant, I pressed forward with my act.


    ¡°My friend, Tom Winton, will want round-the-clock guards for that injured woman. I want you to stand by that door while I make a phone call.¡± I took the attendant by the arm and guided him as I talked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let him know I put someone we can trust in charge of protecting Jenny until the police arrive.¡±


    The man, who appeared stunned at his sudden enlistment to help, wavered. He stammered about his duties while looking around for help.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, just keep an eye out for anyone suspicious,¡± I assured him. ¡°Just let the police know that the D.A. is coming to sort this out. They¡¯ll treat you like royalty.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression stiffened when he realized how quickly I pushed. He shook his head, saying the hospital would fire him. Adele came around the other side of the man and asked the attendant to reconsider.


    ¡°Please, she¡¯s my friend.¡± Adele¡¯s plea sealed the deal.


    The large man looked down at her, scratched his head.


    ¡°You need to see a doc about your injury,¡± replied with an awkward half-smile. ¡°You can depend on me.¡±


    I swear the man puffed out his chest slightly for her. We watched him walk over to the double doors, then I quickly guided Adele along the hallway.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call Tom now,¡± I stated loudly as we walked back to the entrance.


    After we turned by the admission desk, the nurse told us that the police were on their way to the hospital. Still playing the authority figure, I thanked her, saying we¡¯d meet them out front. I saw in Adele¡¯s expression at her hesitation. Hell, if I was honest, I didn¡¯t really have a plan. Certainly, I wasn¡¯t expecting to get bushwhacked at a dinner party with Lees. But his involvement meant we needed to find allies in a hurry.


    ¡°We¡¯ll call the D.A. and get him involved,¡± I told her with a confidence that I didn¡¯t feel.

 Chapter 48 - Cora Meets Adele

    We took Jenny¡¯s Packard and drove away after I made sure no one was looking out at us when we left the building. Sure enough, not long after we left, a black and white car with a tiny flashing red light and a blaring siren went speeding past us.


    ¡°Head to my office,¡± I reminded Adele.


    She nodded absently, and I watched her for a moment. Like me, I knew she carried a multitude of questions and concerns. As I finally let out a breath, I felt a weariness covering me like a blanket.


    ¡°Do you think Jenny will be alright?¡±


    I forced myself not to shrug and nodded.


    ¡°Sure, they¡¯ll fix her up in no time. I mean, look how well they treated me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you can come up with those lies while you are talking with people.¡±


    She looked tired, and her face remained swollen on one side.


    ¡°Besides, you don¡¯t know that Winton will help us. Lees acts like he has everything figured out.¡±


    ¡°You know that you¡¯re beautiful,¡± I said from the heart. ¡°You really came through and saved us. I¡¯m sorry that I got you in the middle of this.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to discuss that. Do you think Lees will go after her, then us?¡± Her voice suddenly showed the icy distance like earlier in the evening.


    Her tone made me pause before I let out a long breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but as soon as I get to a telephone, I¡¯ll call Tom Winton and give him the full story. We can hope that he¡¯s not on Lees¡¯ payroll.¡±


    After a long pause, I continued.


    ¡°Ok, I¡¯ll admit I¡¯m not sure. Still, Judge Seabury told me Winton was honest. He had no reason to lie to me about that.¡±


    Adele sighed, her lips a thin line of determination.


    ¡°God, it¡¯s so frustrating.¡±


    ¡°I know what you mean. I think¡­¡±


    She cut me off.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about! You always act like you can handle it all. Maybe your idea at the hospital was the best option,¡± Adele glanced over. ¡°Or maybe you¡¯ll get Jenny killed. Either way, you act like it doesn¡¯t affect you.¡±


    An awkward silence fell between us as I sat there, unable to think of a response. Her assessment was correct. I didn¡¯t care if Jenny lived or died.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t know why you think I recommended your office. It¡¯s the second place they¡¯ll look for us,¡± she finally spoke as we got closer to downtown. ¡°Not that it matters, I guess.¡±


    I stared at her.


    ¡°Wait a minute, I heard you whisper the idea. When we get near there, we park the car in an alley, and we keep off the lights. Like I said, it¡¯s a good idea. Otherwise, you¡¯ll need to leave town on your own. It¡¯s not like I can go with you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure that I heard her correctly.


    ¡°What do you mean? We have to get people to go after Lees. Otherwise, it¡¯s everyone against us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about,¡± she suddenly hit the brakes and pulled the car along the side of the street.


    Shocked by her sudden change, I held on as we hit the curb. Then I watched her quickly turn off the engine and get out of the Packard. I slid out of the passenger side and hurried toward her.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°You¡¯re going in the wrong direction,¡± I said.


    Adele glared at me and continued walking.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell me what the hell you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You should go to the office and call Winton.¡±


    Her attitude finally pissed me off. When I caught up with her, I grabbed her arm, and she tried to pull away.


    ¡°Damn it, we¡¯re in this together. What the hell are you doing?¡±


    Adele stopped and stared at me. Under the streetlight, her face carried the bitterness of her words.


    ¡°Are we? He called me a familiar, you¡¯re the outsider. You knew about this, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°The first time I heard about an outsider was when you and I heard it from Seabury,¡± I said. ¡°I told you I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. Why can¡¯t you believe that?¡±


    ¡°You heard Lees say I was expendable, like a PN, something or other,¡± she shook her head, suddenly looking lost.


    If was any other time, I¡¯d smile while trying to explain a non-player character. But this wasn¡¯t a game. People got shot, bled, and died.


    ¡°But I think I understand what Lees meant. I don¡¯t count, do I? The only reason I might die is because I was involved with you. The expression on your face told me you understand something about this whole affair that Lees spoke about.¡±


    She paused, looking down.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just that. Jenny told me things about you having something to do with Childress. And you helped Sally after I asked you not to get involved. When I think back to all the hints you gave me, I ask myself why couldn¡¯t I see it? You didn¡¯t tell me everything about you? You are what they call an outsider.¡±


    I realized something from her hurt tone. Adele suddenly questioned her existence, her memories, and what she believed. I knew from the look that she couldn¡¯t trust me. For that matter, she wasn¡¯t sure of anything. Lees told her I was another Lane Dagger. She realized if he¡¯s telling her the truth, then she had no idea about her marriage. Lees¡¯ insistence about multiple men being her husband was too much for Adele to handle. Hell, I still didn¡¯t have a grip on the idea myself.


    ¡°Adele, I don¡¯t believe everything that Lees told us. He¡¯s tried to kill us because he¡¯s afraid. Think about that. He¡¯s afraid of what we can do if we find the truth.¡±


    She looked at me; her bruised face showing her crushed appearance. The fight was gone. Yeah, I¡¯m a jerk since my first thought was that I needed her to fight. So, I redoubled my efforts to get her back into the game.


    ¡°Listen, back in the hospital, I told you nearly everything. Well, at least as far as I could go. That¡¯s the gospel truth. If I told you the rest, you¡¯d be hauling me to a psycho ward with a padded cell. I¡¯ve seen and heard some crazy stuff.¡±


    I stepped closer, and she continued to look at me, her eyes searching for something in my expression.


    ¡°You must believe that I¡¯m on your side. Let¡¯s help your friend with a call. Then, we save ourselves.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to think,¡± she admitted.


    Putting my arm over her shoulders, I turned her around on the sidewalk to face the direction of my office building.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m in the same boat since the start of my time here. Let¡¯s find a quiet place to talk after we get the D.A. involved. I¡¯ll tell you everything that¡¯s happened to me. Then, you can decide if I need a padded cell.¡±


    She nodded slightly and slowly walked with me with her head down.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I want to understand,¡± she warned me.


    We arrived at the office. It was dark inside and I only turned on the desk lamp on Alice¡¯s desk. I found a phone book inside my secretary¡¯s desk and found the home number for Winton¡¯s house. I found it funny how open everyone used to be with their address and phone numbers which anyone could look up. But the thought quickly receded when I watched Adele sitting on the couch.


    A man finally answered the phone. It was a servant named Hopely who worked for the Winton family. Only after I pointed out there was an attempted murder and a gunfight at the Elder mansion did Winton finally get on the line. I quickly explained everything to him, including Jenny¡¯s condition and the guard at the hospital. I even mentioned my part in the shootout with O¡¯Conner.


    ¡°They say you¡¯re an honest person who believes in justice,¡± I stated. ¡°I just gave you the whole truth, but I¡¯m not coming in for questioning unless it¡¯s you and me alone. I don¡¯t trust anyone in this city. Lees is too damn clever, and I won¡¯t trust him as far as I can throw him. By the way, my wife threw scalding water into his face when he threatened her, so he¡¯s probably pretty pissed off about it.¡±


    I quickly hung up, then smiled at Adele.


    ¡°No doubt, he¡¯ll try to figure out where I called from. Looks like we¡¯ll need to leave soon.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary! I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± a familiar female voice spoke from the entrance into Lane¡¯s office.


    I turned around as Adele hurriedly stood and backed away from the couch.


    Damn, this is getting tougher to explain!


    Cora Elder stepped into the room. Her cosplay costume was different. Adele unconsciously gasped at the sight. This time she wore a sexy white dress with a tight corset with plenty of skin showing to go along with her cleavage fetish.


    ¡°It was you who set us up!¡± My anger was already near boiling point when I lashed out.


    ¡°You watched that bastard try to kill us! What the hell are you doing playing around with us like we¡¯re fucking toys?¡±


    Her mischievous smile flickered, and I felt the repercussions of my outburst. The wave of pain through my brain sent me to my knee. However, I didn¡¯t give a damn as I forced myself to stand. I looked at her through my nearly closed eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s no way to talk to me! I brought you here in order to save you.¡±


    ¡°Just fuck off and leave us alone, you damn demon!¡±


    Her irritated expression turned to anger. Then I saw the floor racing to my face before everything went black.