Authors: Priscilla Poole Rainwater
“No, we just want to ask you a few questions. He knows nothing about this little visit, and he won't find out your location from us, I promise.” he replied. “My name is Raidon Bishop, and this is my trusted assistant, Cynne' Barns, by the way.” Stepping back, he motioned to Cynne', who gave him a withering glare. “May we come in?”
“I should have known this mess would come back to bite me in the bum.” the woman muttered, sounding close to tears, but motioned them inside impatiently, and somewhat fearfully, then handed his wallet back to him.
Cynne' looked around the small apartment. Although sparsely furnished, the place was neat and orderly.
Seating herself in an old, but comfortable looking Lazy-Boy, Lottie motioned for them to sit on the couch.
“Thanks.” Raidon grunted as they both sat down. “I'll get straight to the point. We have questions that need to be answered, and I can't begin to impress upon you just how important it is.
Questions about the time you spent with the woman you knew as Karen Washington.
Oh, and do you mind if I tape this conversation, Ms. Patterson?”
Giving him a guarded look, she nodded stiffly, intent on covering her own ass. There was something about the man she trusted implicitly, which was odd, considering her general lack of faith in mankind, but she trusted her finely honed instincts, ones which had been learned at a terrible price.
“Thank you, we're not here to cause you any trouble. Your name, as well as your address and phone number, will remain strictly confidential.”
Relaxing somewhat, she grabbed a cigarette from the coffee table and lit it, taking a deep drag with a hand that trembled ever so slightly. “Is she still under
HIS
care? Ms. Washington, I mean?”
“No, she isn't under his care anymore. Her husband found an expert on head injuries and memory loss.” he informed her. “She's safe, for now, but we need to know what you know, in order for her to
remain
safe.”
Hearing that the young woman she had grown to care about was out of Brett's grasp, Lottie sighed with relief. Figuring he already knew about the events leading right up to the flight to Mexico, she got straight to the point as well. “It used to creep me out how he would sit for hours, just watching her. Actually, it was more like a, longing, I guess, like he was coveting his neighbor's wife, as the Bible says.” Taking a long drag from her cigarette, she
was silent for a moment, then continued. “And it used to creep me out, the look on his face, when she called her husband's name in her sleep. Granger, was that his name?”
“Yes, that's his name.” Cynne' replied in a cold voice, feeling her blood begin to boil. “I thought Cassandra, or Karen, as you knew her, couldn't remember anything about the attack from day one. Are you telling us that she knew about Granger? When her husband and mother found her, she didn't know them from Adam.”
“Well, I assumed she knew, although I only heard her call his name in her sleep, like I said. She would cry to him, to help her, to come find her. All of that stopped though, after Doctor Parker began giving her some type of medication. She slipped into a coma after that.”
Shaking with anger and righteous wrath, Cynne' glared at the woman with burning contempt.
She knew Cassandra had someone, and she didn't lift a damn finger to contact the police, or anyone else...
she thought. “For three years...” she said, gritting her teeth and holding up three fingers, “...for three years, that woman's mother didn't know if her only child was dead or alive. Can you imagine that? Every day wondering if your child is lying dead in a ditch somewhere, or if someone has kidnapped her and was abusing her. Did you know that woman had a child as well? A child who always wondered where his mommy was? You knew something was wrong, and you did
NOTHING
?” her voice ended in a screech.
Ashamed, Lottie averted her gaze just as she saw the woman's handsome companion place his own hand over hers in a comforting gesture. “I did want to help her.” she answered in a small voice. “But at the time I was mixed up with the wrong man, he was a mean bastard. Both of us were hooked on narcotics, and he made me steal prescription pads from Brett's office, I'm sure you know how that racket works. I couldn't say no to him, if I even looked at him the wrong way he would beat me so bad I couldn't walk for days. Doctor Parker caught me in the act one morning, stealing the prescription pads, and samples of sedatives he kept in the office. He approached me and told me if I didn't help him, he would turn me in. That would have meant losing my nursing license, and time in prison.”
“Tell me what happened when he took her to Mexico.” Raidon urged in a soft voice, amazed himself that he had been able to keep his own temper in check.
Taking a final drag from her cigarette, she crushed it an ashtray that sat on the coffee table. “We took her to that awful facility, it was like something out of the dark ages.” she shuddered, then reached for another cigarette and lit it. “The place reminded me of accounts of state institutions in this country in the 1800's, that I read about. They had people strapped to beds for days on end without feeding them, or cleaning them. Violent predators, staff, and patients alike preyed on the weaker patients, and the place reeked. Some of those poor people sat in their own waste for days, and there was never enough staff to care for them. Not that they would have given a tin shit, anyway. The place, from the outside, reminded me of something you see in horror
movies
, foreboding, and the screams from that place...” her voice trailed off as she closed her eyes and shuddered again.
“A friend and colleague of Brett's ran the place, Doctor Santos. He allowed him to bring Karen there for treatment, and she was kept on a wing that was closed. No one but Brett, Dr. Santos, and myself were permitted inside that area.”
“Go on.” he urged, then glanced at Cynne'.
“The condition of that place was awful, but I found it odd that the only other patient who got good care there was a young African American woman about Karen's age. She lived in the cottage with Doctor Santos, on the grounds of the facility. And another thing is, every time Brett would come near that girl she would freak out, which was quite often. I think the sick creep actually enjoyed frightening her. One day I asked why she stayed with Doctor Santos, and man, was that a big mistake. Brett came completely unglued and actually threatened to kill me if I ever asked anything about that girl again. And I think he tried to make good on that threat, or at least send me a message that he meant business. Later that evening, when dinner rolled around, he served me some wine. Ten minutes later I was sick as a dog, for days.”
Raidon believed the other woman had to be the real Karen Washington. Although he knew the general vicinity of the facility, he asked her anyway. “ Lottie, where is this facility located?”
Closing her eyes and searching her memory, she replied in a listless voice, “About twenty minutes outside of Zihualanejo Bay Mexico. If you go there, be careful, Dr. Santos has a lot of pull in that town. And I mean, a
LOT
.”
Convinced she had told them all she knew, he turned the tape recorder off, thanked her for her help, and gave her his card, just in case she later remembered anything important she had left out.
******************************
Getting in the Blazer, Cynne' buckled up and said, “So, I guess we're on our way to Mexico now? I still can't figure out what part I play in this Scooby Doo mystery, though.”
Smiling at her and leaning close, he gave her his best smile. “When we get south of the border, my lovely little angel, you're going to play the role of the concerned sister, who has been looking for her missing sister, Karen Washington.”
Smacking his hand away when he reached out and caressed her face, she did her best to affect a look of irritation. “Well, I suppose I can subject myself to your insufferable flirting a few more days, if it's for the cause.” she replied in a nonchalant voice while trying, but failing, to ignore the way his touch had made her insides quiver.
Chapter 34
Watching her daughter and son-in-law exchange intimate looks and touches during breakfast in their suite, Jocelyn smiled contentedly. “So, what are your plans for today honey?” she asked Cassandra, then took a sip of orange juice and thought about how much she was looking forward to her old friend Tate Redford's impending visit.
Tearing her gaze from her husband reluctantly, Cassandra turned and faced her mother. “Well, I thought I would go visit Sister Katherine and the children before my doctors appointment. Since I'm leaving soon, I want to talk to the children and explain to them why I
won’t
be working there anymore.”
Placing a large hand over hers, Granger smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Sure honey, but I want you to use our chauffeur, Ok? He'll take you anywhere you want to go.”
Returning her husband's smile, she agreed, then excused herself to go get dressed.
“Granger, are you sure even that's safe? I mean, that Parker fella seems unstable, to say the least, there's no telling what that nut bird could try to pull off.” Jocelyn asked once she was certain her daughter was out of earshot.
“Well, actually I did think of that, so that's why I had Malcolm hire a body guard who doubles duty as a chauffeur as well. He came highly recommended, he used to work for the Lieutenant Governor. Anyway, needless to say our regular chauffeur is enjoying a paid vacation in Hawaii. Well, I'm gonna go check on her before she leaves.” he finished, then rose to his feet and kissed her on the cheek.
Touching his arm, she said, “Granger, hold on just one sec. Listen...I'm really happy you two are back together again, like you should be, but son, this time around you really need to keep your mother out of your marriage. Granger, I won't allow her to walk all over my baby again. I hope you can understand that.”
“Don't you worry, I'm going to set the record straight with her right from the get-go. I'm buying us another home, a whole lot of things are going to change.” Thinking about the possibility of him being charged with his father's death, he cryptically added, “No matter what happens to me, the woman I love, and our child will never want for anything.”
Sensing the man had much more on his mind than his troublesome mother, she simply nodded, deciding not to press the issue at the moment. “Well, I'm glad you're putting Cassandra's needs ahead of everything.” she said, then wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
Besides, it's time I start to live my own life again...
an inner voice whispered as her thoughts drifted to her old friend Sheriff Tate Redford, who was now retired.
*********************************************
Zihuatanejo Bay, Mexico
Relieved that they had finally made it to their destination, Hotel Avila, which was located in the old, downtown section known as El Centro, Cynne' sighed. Kicking her shoes off, she wiggled her toes, trying to work out the cramps and get the blood circulating again. Dreamily, she thought of her short term plans, which included a long, hot shower, crawling into a comfortable bed for a nap, and then eating a hearty, authentic Mexican meal. Looking around the room, she had to admit that Raidon had picked a very nice Hotel.
Well, why wouldn't he? After all, it's on Granger's dime...
she thought in her usual pessimistic fashion.
Walking to the balcony door, she looked out at the breathtaking view of the bay. If they weren't here on such an important business, she would love to go
sightseeing
. Turning away reluctantly, she began to undress, letting her clothing and underwear fall to the floor. Going to her suitcase, she put it on the bed and opened it, pulling out her toiletry kit and robe.
Making her way to the bathroom, she wasn't surprised to see such a large jacuzzi there, but what did surprise her was the large assortment of scented candles that were surrounding the tub. A large basket containing dozens of tiny bottles was sitting on the sink, and looking inside, she discovered they were bath salts of every scent imaginable. Grabbing vanilla and jasmine, her favorites, she turned the hot water on in the tub, letting it fill while she lit all the candles carefully. Switching the bathroom lights off, she grabbed a hair band she had brought in with her and pulled her braids off her shoulders. Stepping into the tub, she moaned out loud with delight as she sat down and felt the tub's jets massaged her aching, tired muscles.
*********************************************
Opening the door that connected his own room to Cynne's, Raidon frowned when he didn't see her. Making his way to the balcony, he saw it was empty, and his irritation began growing by the second.
I made it clear to her not to leave this damn room without me....
he thought, beginning to grow worried as well. He didn't like the idea of her walking around alone in a place that was foreign to her, it wasn't safe. In his career, he himself had been hired to search for a surprising number of female college students who vacationed in places such as this, then vanished into thin air.
Turning, he spotted her clothing piled up on the floor at the foot of the bed, then heard the faint whir of what sounded like hot tub jets. Grinning suddenly, he was torn with indecision as he stared at the closed bathroom door.
Whooooo doggy, if you even THINK about it that little spitfire will fuck your entire world up!
His
mind screamed, only to be drowned out one second later by his inner horn-dog.
Maybe I can offer to wash her back! Yeah, that's it! Pops Bishop always told me to be a gentleman and help a lady out whenever I can!
Walking on tip-toe, he opened the bathroom door as quietly as he could, then stepped inside, hoping the noise from the tub would drown out any noise he may have made. The
scent of vanilla and jasmine tickled his nose, and he felt his body react immediately as he drank in the sight of her. She was stretched out, nearly on her back, with her head thrown back against the top of the tub, wearing nothing but an eye pillow/blinder. The candles made her ebony skin seem to nearly glow, and he was transfixed by the sight of her full breasts, which were partially concealed by soap suds. Feeling like a randy schoolboy, he thought,
Oh Lord, I just wish I could hop in the tub and show her how much fun doing it in a tub can be! Sweet Mary, the woman is hot!!!
Then, much to his surprise, she began singing an old Tom Jones song, but very much off- key. “What's new, pussssssy catttttttt whoooowooo oooo!”
Cringing, he had to fight the urge to laugh at the stark contrast between her physical beauty and her dreadful singing.
She shifted suddenly, then blindly groped for a loofah that was resting on the edge of the tub. Sitting semi-erect, she never took the eye pillow off, then lifted one arm and began scrubbing her side.
Spellbound like he had never been in his life, his breathing became erratic as he watched the soap suds slide off her breasts slowly, exposing them in all their magnificent glory.
“ Pussssy cattttt...pusssy catttttt...I....looooooove you...whattttttts new pussssy cat whooooooo oooo ooooo oooo.....!” she continued to wail as her breasts bobbled back and forth fetchingly.
He didn't know what was new with the pussycat, but he knew he was definitely sporting a raging hard-on now.
Oh Lordy, never in my life have I wanted a woman this badly...
.he thought, then sucked in his breath loudly.
Suddenly falling silent, she ripped the eye pillow off with her free hand and turned to stare at him in stunned, outraged silence.
Wincing, he knew the damage was already done, so he decided to take a calculated risk by standing his ground.
“WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!” she screamed suddenly, so completely outraged that she scrambled to her feet.
“Oh, you're a Goddess.” he moaned as his eyes roamed up and down her wet body, drinking in the sight as if it would be his last. “I came in because I couldn't resist your beautiful siren song, and to top it off, you gave me a nice peek at that hot body.” he winked, then blew her an imaginary kiss.
Seeing the hunger in his eyes, she glanced down as if realizing for the first time she was standing before him completely nude. With a tiny yelp, she dropped the loofah and covered her nether regions with both hands.
Flopping back down in the tub, she grabbed the loofah
again and hurled it at his head.
“
OUT! OUT!
” she screamed.
Ducking, he laughed as the loofah sailed over his head and struck the bathroom mirror behind him with a loud
'
SPLAT'. “Your aim is almost as good as your singing, my little hellcat!” he mocked.
Biting her lip and nearly growling with frustration and shame, she was beyond amazed to find herself suddenly excited, unlike anything she had ever felt. It had been a very long time since any man had looked at her that way, and as much as she hated to admit it, Raidon Bishop wasn't just 'any man'.