Authors: J.M. Griffin
“What’s your name?”
“Vinnie,” I said.
“Well Vinnie, I want you to reach around my neck, if you can.” His calm voice soothed my frayed nerves. “The seat belt is snagged. I’ll cut it and remove you from the car on a count of three. Okay?”
“On the count of three, right?”
“Yep.” He smiled again.
His confidence bolstered mine, and I figured I had nothing to lose. With a white-knuckled grip, I clung to the jacket of my blue-eyed rescuer. He became a life raft and I refused to drown in fear without a fight, damn it. My fingers gripped him tighter as he cut the seatbelt and slid his arm around my waist. He tugged the strap away and counted to three.
I tensed a bit, but firm hands held me safe. He dragged me from the car that teetered toward the ground. My Taurus was a wreck and so was I, even though I wasn’t physically injured.
We all need to be grateful for the little things in life, right?
Once on the ladder, Blue Eyes loosened his hold. We descended to the base of the ladder truck from the edge of the abutment. When we stopped moving, he released me and I glanced around. I could see a dozen state troopers and Providence cops milling around on the ground below. Marcus stood among them, arms crossed as he waited for me.
Trooper Marcus Richmond came into my life earlier in the year and found a place in my heart. We sometimes disagreed on my way of life, but mostly he accepted me for who I was.
Now his face seemed carved in stone. I was uncertain if he was angry over the accident or relieved that I made it in one piece. It felt like his hazel green eyes never left me as I clambered down the rear of the truck on shaky legs. On the ground, I leaned against the fire engine a moment while Marcus strode forward. Knees wobbly and skin moist, I waited for him.
“Where’s my Margarita?” Marcus’s softly murmured in my ear as he held me in his arms.
A hiccup sob escaped my lips, and I clung to his lean, muscled body. Tears slid down my cheeks. Strong hands stroked my back and smoothed my wild hair. I leaned away to stare into eyes that mystified me.
“I couldn’t get out, and nobody could find me. It was awful.”
“I know. We drove all over the place in search of the right bridge abutment. You left a trail, but then the tracks disappeared from view. Nobody knew where to look. I’m sorry we took so long, Vinnie.” A tiny smile curled the corners of his lips as he held my face in his hands. “You scared the shit out of me, though.”
His fellow troopers and cops looked on – a few of them familiar to me from my summer escapades. I nodded in their direction as Marcus escorted me to the rescue vehicle.
I perched on the edge of the step while a medical tech checked for damage, I glanced around and then up at the car. My eyes rounded, I gulped and stared.
“Damn, my car is junk.” I stated the obvious and now knew what caused the look on Marcus’s face before I descended the ladder. He probably had the same thought, but hadn’t said so. I could have been crushed like a bug if the car had flipped over. I was saved by the grace of God.
Maybe church wasn’t such a bad idea.
“My mother doesn’t know about this, does she?”
“Not as far as I know. The news people aren’t here.”
He nodded at the cops as they headed back to do whatever they did. Fire and rescue personnel cleared up the car debris. A wrecker arrived to take away the crumpled metal that no longer resembled my gleaming bright red car. I watched in a detached manner, my mind traveling at the speed of light, as the car was brought down from its perch and loaded onto the flatbed.
“This couldn’t have been just an accident, who did this to you? Did you get a look at the vehicle or driver?” Marcus asked.
“No,” I answered and explained what had taken place, “I think it was just that, an accident. I haven’t pissed anyone off lately.”
“You don’t think so?” His eyebrow cocked a bit.
“No, I don’t. By the way, I’m late for class.”
“There won’t be any class for you today or tomorrow. I called ahead to tell them you wouldn’t be in for a couple of days.”
“Oh,” I said, wondering who would take over the Criminal Justice class for today.
A young EMT stepped around the truck and said, “You should have X-rays, Miss. I couldn’t find any injuries, just your bruised clavicle. You’ll be sore though. Seat belts and air bags are necessary, but can cause unseen damage. Get checked out, okay?”
“Sure, thanks.”
Not in this lifetime.
I had enough crap for today.
There isn’t a chance in hell I’d put up with doctors poking and prodding me like a guinea pig.
No – thank you very much.
The only car in sight belonged to Marcus. All the other troopers and cops had left. With a sigh, I stood and walked toward the Crown Victoria that waited, alone on the street. Casting one last glance at my trashed Taurus, I slid onto the front seat of the messiest cruiser I ever saw.
A laptop computer sat hooked to the dashboard, piles of paper, booklets, and cop debris riddled the front seat, floor, and back seat of the large vehicle. Nothing compact about a Crown Vic, these cars are spacious. I guess it’s so the officers can carry more junk.
“Are you taking me home?” I asked.
“It entered my mind, but you should get X-rays first.” His intense gaze scanned my face.
“Nah, I’m fine. Just take me home. If I’m in pain later, I’ll get checked out. I promise.”
His look may have been a bit on the doubtful side, I’m not sure. Sometimes Marcus is inscrutable, and I can’t guess what his thoughts are. This was one of those times.
“If you say so. Take it easy today, and no jogging or any of that stuff, okay?”
“You’re mothering me, Marcus. I’m fine, I said.”
“I know,” he smirked, “but you gave me quite a scare.” He drew in a deep breath. “I would have to have a girlfriend who can’t get from point A to point B without a catastrophe. You’re a dangerous woman, Vinnie. Honestly.”
“You’ve always said you liked dangerous women, haven’t you, Trooper Richmond?” My attempt at humor was wasted.
“If you think of anything you might have seen, anything at all, just call me. I want this bastard, do you understand?”
His profile was grim and I wasn’t about to aggravate him. The best way to handle things would be to keep my ever-open trap shut.
Wrong again.
Geez, I hate when that happens.
“Do you understand?” He didn’t settle for silence. The deadly undercurrent in his voice goaded me into answering him.
“Yes, I understand.”
“Good.”
The trip home from Providence didn’t take long. We pulled into the driveway and I left the cruiser. Marcus was at my side in an instant and escorted me into the house. He made a great bodyguard, an unnecessary one, but nice all the same.
In the kitchen, he set the coffee pot to perk and leaned against the counter, arms folded in thought. This stance was common when something bothered him and it caused me to wonder if I’d be in for a grilling session.
Cops are like pit bulls. They sink their teeth into a theory, rattle it around a while, and hang on until something shakes loose. When whatever that is, comes to light, they act on it. Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it’s not. I was unsure of what Marcus was thinking at the moment. While I have an extremely curious nature, I wasn’t inclined to ask.
Rhode Island State Trooper, Marcus Richmond had been on the force about fifteen years. Headquarters for this paramilitary group lay about a quarter mile from where I lived. Stationed out of that unit, Marcus cruised by my house often.
“Will you be all right here alone? Marcus asked. “Should I call someone to stay with you?”
Whatever he had on his mind would remain a secret until he decided to share it. Curiosity over needing to know his thoughts pressured me. I struggled hard to keep it under control.
“I’m fine, I don’t need a babysitter. I promise to take things easy.” My fingers crossed under the counter – I lied. To stay inside on a gorgeous day like this, even though I had a close call, would be foolish by any standards. After all, I hadn’t been injured, except for my sore collarbone.
“If you’re sure, then I have to get back on the road. The major will have a fit if he finds out I’m goofing off. Besides, I’m pulling a double shift and have to go to Newport tonight with the governor.” He kissed me before he left the house.
After Marcus drove away, I puttered around the house doing odd bits of stuff until I could no longer tolerate being cooped up. With my jacket on, I headed up the street on foot. I figured walking was good exercise, and surely I wouldn’t get into any trouble doing that? My life is full of surprises, though, and there was nothing mundane about it.
Chapter 2
October in western Rhode Island is a splendid time I realized as I walked through the village. Leaves from large elm and maple trees cluttered the yards of the gigantic historic homes. Bits of their brilliant orange, rusty brown, rich red, and luscious yellow colors clustered on branches and snuggled around the bases of hundred-year-old trees. Lovely antique dwellings lined the main drag in the quaint village of Scituate, pronounced sit-chew-it. The two-story Colonial, bequeathed to me by my deceased Aunt Lavinia, nestled among them.
It was quiet even though I figured the odd leaf peeper would be out. They must have all been shopping instead. The upcoming art festival, held on Columbus Day weekend, meant several thousand people would trample through the village. They’d wander into yards and make a general nuisance of themselves. Those of us living here accepted the onslaught of city folk with a wry sense of humor, and hoped for the best.
These thoughts fluttered through my mind as I walked, breathing in the fresh, cool air of autumn. I walked a mile or so and passed the local fire station on the outskirts of town as I headed toward home. The barbershop lay to my left. Several cars lined the street curb and two more nestled together in the tiny parking area. One of the vehicles was a grey Crown Victoria, the usual patrol car of the Rhode Island State Police. A trooper was getting a buzz cut.
A battered old pickup truck slowed to a crawl and crept past me. At the edge of the barbershop’s lot, I glanced at the truck, failed to recognize the driver, and kept on walking. The man pulled over and left the vehicle.
The scruffy-bearded, shaggy-mopped, raggedy-assed looking man called my name. I stopped mid-stride. Disbelief registered as I hesitated in front of the full glass window of the barbershop. Frozen in place by the sound of his voice, I turned to stare. He moved toward me. My senses filled with apprehension. His dark-eyed gaze roamed my body.
His brown eyes took in my long legs and meandered back to my face, stopping at my chest for a second. It took a moment to breathe normally as trepidation shadowed every inch of my being. For two years, I had managed to forget this creep. Yet here he stood, right in front of me. How much luckier could I get, a car accident and this creep, both in the same day?
“Hey Vinnie. It’s been a long time. I can’t believe my good fortune. How’ve ya been?” Tony’s gravelly voice preceded a grin showing teeth that hadn’t seen a toothbrush in a while.
I could swear he’d spit tobacco juice onto the sidewalk any second. Strange as it seemed, I was at a loss for words.
Yeah, I know that sounds impossible, but there it is.
My mouth gaped open like a fish out of water. Nothing good came to mind, so why speak?
“Well, aren’t ya glad to see me?” he asked with a smarmy grin.
I swallowed. “I must say I’m surprised. I didn’t recognize you right away. How have you been, Tony?” Surprise didn’t cover the fact that I hadn’t recognized this creep. It had been forever since he crossed my mind along with the problems he created for me two years ago.
“You’re lookin’ great, but then you always have.” Tony’s gaze slithered over my torso once again.
I edged away from him as the barbershop door opened and closed. I heard footsteps and the voice of a man.
“Hi Vinnie, how are you?” the man asked as he drew near.
My glance slid toward the man, and I smiled in relief at the state trooper. He smiled back and then turned toward Tony. It was an act of God that this man had been in the barbershop, even though I didn’t know who the guy was.
“I’m great, how are you?”
Tony stood three feet away and took in the scene. He shuffled a bit, but stood his ground. Apparently he wanted to say something else.
The trooper watched him a moment and then turned back to me.
“I just spoke to Marcus. He mentioned you two are having dinner tonight. Maybe I’ll stop by later, if you don’t mind?” He lied real well, too.
I nodded and said, “Yes, please do. We’d be happy to have you.” I glanced at Tony and then back at the trooper. “I’m sorry. I should introduce you to an old acquaintance of mine. This is Tony DeGreico.”
The trooper dipped his hat-covered, buzz-cut head, and said, “Trooper Jonah Franklin.”
Tony’s glance slid between the trooper and me. His eyes narrowed. Neither man extended a hand to shake.
“Well, nice to meet you Trooper Franklin.”
Unsure whether he realized I didn’t know this trooper, or if something else went on behind those sleazy eyes, I waited to see what would happen next.
Jonah stood at my side for a few seconds after the introduction. “Things are all right with you, Vinnie?”
“Yeah, fine. Tony just stopped to say hello, and I didn’t recognize him right away. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one another, isn’t that right?”
“Yeah, we were tight a few years ago, but our friendship took a turn. We went our own ways, didn’t we?” His smile, more like a sneer, caused me to shuffle my feet.
Anxious to keep him at a distance, I nodded.
I glanced into Jonah’s eyes. They held a questioning look, but I didn’t offer an explanation. He held my gaze for a few seconds before he bid us goodbye. As Jonah entered the car, I felt my life raft drift away. It was then I knew I’d have to deal with this sleazoid alone.