Forever Man (16 page)

Jack side-stepped, keeping his body in front of her. “You know, now that you mention it, I don’t recall seeing him. Surprising, really, since he and Denny are friends.”

“Thank you, Jack,” Izzy said dryly. She’d hit so many roadblocks today, and Jack was becoming another one. “But I don’t remember asking you the question. In fact, I don’t remember asking you anything. So why don’t you be a good boy and go eat some chicken or something and stop interfering.”

Jack’s smile melted like wax under a hot flame. “I didn’t know I was
interfering
with anything.”

A small crowd had gathered around her and Jack. She saw Gene Vincent, and behind him, J.J. Sallinen. She still needed to speak with Jack’s son.

And then she saw Katie. Her insides knotted up. The girl was alone in the world, and she didn’t even know it yet. But that news was for later. And in private.

She raised her voice. “Excuse me? Has
anyone
seen Chet Boardman? Either this morning at the church or later at the funeral?”

“I was at the both services,” Gene volunteered. “I don’t remember seeing him at either.”

“What are
you
doing here?” Jack said, frowning at Gene. “You can’t actually consider yourself a friend. Not after you threw Denny out of your bar—for no reason, I may add. And the very next day, you assault him! What’s it going to be today? Knife fight in the parking lot?”

“You’re a real ass, Sallinen,” Gene said. Then to Denny: “If you want me to leave, just say so. I don’t want to cause you or your wife any more pain.”

Denny’s mouth twisted into a scowl. His wet eyes roamed the crowd around him, finally settling on his wife. She gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head.

“Naw,” he said quietly. “It’s okay. Stay if you want.”

Jack’s face grew bright red, and for a moment Izzy thought the man might actually explode. She smirked as she imagined bloody bits of him flying out in wet arcs, splattering everyone around him. She would even offer to help clean up the mess and flush him down the nearest toilet.

“Something funny, Chief Morris?” Jack asked, having caught her grin.

“No, Jack,” she said, losing her smile. “Nothing about this is funny. Now, has anyone seen Chet at all in the last couple days?”

Blank looks and silence. Then, softly, “He was at our house.”

Izzy looked down at Maddie Cain.

“You saw Chet?” Izzy asked her.

Denny stepped up to his wife. “Stay outta this, Maddie.”

Izzy held up a warning finger at Denny. Then to Maddie, she said, “When did you last see him?”

“Yesterday morning,” Maddie replied. “He and Denny, they were arguing about something. And then that strange man showed up.”

“Chief Morris,” Jack cut in. “Really, I don’t see the purpose in this. These two people buried their son today. Haven’t they suffered enough without having to answer your questions?”

She rounded on Jack. “Let me make myself clear. Unless I ask you a direct question, you’re to keep your mouth shut and let me do my job. Think you can handle that?”

Jack opened his mouth, the heat of his words telegraphed by the anger glinting in his eyes.

Before he could speak, Izzy got right up into his personal space. He smelled of sweat and avarice. “You’re close to an obstruction charge, Jack. Keep it up and you’ll find yourself in a jail cell.”

The entire reception hall was watching the exchange. Jack had the weaker hand, and he had to know it. Izzy could almost see him weighing his options and the resulting outcomes. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he absently wiped at it with his sleeve. Gradually, the anger in his eyes dimmed, then went out.

“Of course,” Jack said, taking a hesitant step back. “You’re just trying to do your job. My apologies.”

Izzy nodded, turned her attention back to Jimmy’s mother. “Tell me about the stranger.”

“I don’t know his name. He’s a new friend of Denny’s.”

“What does he look like?”

“Tall. Sandy hair. A beard. Except for a scar here.” Maddie traced a line along her left jaw with a trembling finger.

“What happened when he showed up?”

“He took Denny and Chet into the back room and closed the door.”

“How long were they back there?”

“Well,” Maddie said. “Chet came out a few minutes later, looking relieved. And a little happy. He left. I haven’t seen him since.”

“And the stranger?”

“What about him?”

“Did he stay?”

“For a little while. Then he left, too.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Jack frowned, “but this sounds like an interrogation. I thought you had your man locked up in jail?”

“Okay,” Izzy said, exasperated. “Let’s go, Jack. I’m going to call someone to take you into custody.”

“No.” This came from Vickie Milkins, who worked at the IGA store. The tall redhead stood off to the left with her husband, Walt. “He’s got a point, Izzy. I thought you made an arrest. That you caught the guy responsible for this.”

“Yes,” Izzy said. “We do have somebody in custody.”

“Then why aren’t you talking to
him
?” Vickie continued.

A murmur of agreement ran through the crowd.

“Please, Vickie.” Izzy raised her voice slightly. “Everyone. Just because we have a suspect doesn’t mean we stop an investigation. We’re going to be as thorough as possible. That’s part of the job.”

“I can’t believe Chet Boardman would be involved in this.” The statement came from Celeste Florin, Gene’s waitress from the Lula. “I’ve known him for years. He seems so harmless.”

“I can’t talk about an ongoing investigation,” said Izzy. “When I know something concrete, I’ll be sure to let everyone know.”

“You’re going to pin this on Chet, aren’t you?” Denny said bitterly. “That’s why you’re looking for him. You got that damn nigger in jail, but you’re going to let him go and blame Chet for my son’s death.”

Izzy didn’t like where this was headed. “Okay, this is going to stop right now. I cannot—I
will
not—discuss the details of this investigation with any of you.”

“So Chet Boardman
is
a suspect,” Jack said, smiling again. He’d clearly sensed the shifting mood of the crowd, and it had made him bolder.

“No, Owens is…our….” Her words trailed off as she recalled Owens’ warning about Kevin Sallinen. “Jack, where’s Kevin?”

Jack frowned. “Kevin? You mean my son?”

“Yes, your son. Where is he?”

“At home, with a neighbor.” His small eyes grew wary. “Why?”

She didn’t want to say anything more until she understood better what kind of threat Owens posed. “Just do me a favor. Keep an eye on him.”

“Why?” he repeated, then his eyebrows climbed in alarm. “Is it that Owens guy? Has he been talking about Kevin?”

Izzy blinked, amazed that he made the connection so quickly.

The surprise must have registered on her face, because Jack exploded. “You keep him away! Do your goddamn job for a change and keep him away from my boy!”

“Wait a minute,” Izzy said. “I never said anything about Owens. Don’t go jumping to conclu—”

“Keep him away!” Jack shouted, the veins in his neck pulsing in synch with his words. “Or I’ll kill him myself!”

“Jack, seriously,” Izzy said, puzzled at the man’s vehemence. “Owens is sitting in a jail cell. He’s no threat to anyone. Please, calm down.”

“You better hope he stays locked up.” Jack was practically snarling now. “Because if anything happens to Kevin, I’ll hold you personally responsible.” 

He turned and stormed out of the hall.

“Chief Morris?”

She turned and saw J.J. Sallinen standing behind her with Katie at his side. His face was pale. “
Is
my brother in some kind of danger?”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Or your father. No, Kevin’s not in any danger. It’s just…I don’t know, a precaution.”

“A precaution against what?” he asked.

She had to get out of this before she dug herself in further. “Look, I’ve some business to take care of. All I’m asking is that you keep your eyes open, okay?”

“Sure,” he said, clearly still confused. “If you say so.”

Izzy’s eyes found Katie. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Sure,” Katie said. “What about?”

“Privately?”

It only took Katie a few seconds. “It’s my mom, isn’t she? She’s drunk again. Where’d you find her this time? Passed out in her car?”

“J.J., could you give us a moment, please?”

The boy nodded, kissed Katie on the cheek. “I’ll meet you outside.”

“How bad is it?” Katie asked after J.J. had left. When Izzy didn’t answer, Katie said, “Oh God, don’t tell me she was driving and hurt someone.”

Izzy quietly led the girl out of the reception hall, ushered her into an empty office, and gently shut the door on the rest of the world.

Anger seethed through Jack Sallinen. Morris had embarrassed him. Worse, she’d done it in front of everybody. Who was she, the little Be Nothing bitch, to talk to him like that? To get up in his face and
threaten
him?

He pushed hard against the hall’s glass door and strode outside. Cool air dampened the flames of his displeasure as he made his way to the parking lot. Cars filled the empty spaces, their windshields glinting in the bright October sun. Heat rose from the tarmac and softened the bite from the chilled air. The warmth pleased him. While never one to mind cold weather, he’d recently found the thought of spending another winter here, buried for months under several feet of snow, repellent. If there were anyone he could trust to run the bank in his absence, he would lounge away the winter in sunnier climates. But the risks were too great: buried deep on his hard drive, hidden under layers of passwords, was his
other
set of books, the accurate ones, the ones which showed the profitability of the bank was greater than he reported. While the bank examiners wouldn’t be likely to find them, a good businessman knew which risks paid off, and which didn’t. For now, he’d have to be content with keeping his offices warm. Quite warm, in fact. Eighty was ideal.

He’d passed the first row of cars when he heard his son’s voice calling out.

J.J. trailed after him, jogging to catch up. There was no sign of his girlfriend. Webber said he’d make sure Katie was pushed out of the picture, but he didn’t say exactly what he’d had planned. Perhaps Morris’s appearance had something to do with it? Jack grunted. He’d certainly enjoy one less nuisance in his life.

“Hey,” J.J. said when he’d reached Jack. He wore a shit-eating grin on his face.

“Whatever you want,” Jack snapped. “It can wait until I get home.”

J.J.’s smile crumbled into a petulant frown. He looked so much like his mother, Jack wanted to slap him.

“We had a deal,” his son said. “You were going to make me a part of your plans. Well, I think now’s a good time.” He gave Jack a flat stare. “Don’t forget, I’ve seen those photos. I’m sure Chief Morris would love to see them, too. You think you could survive prison?”

“Keep your voice down,” Jack hissed, glancing around. “Yes, I haven’t forgotten. But right now, there’s nothing for you to do. You’re going to have to be a little more patient.”

“What about Kevin?” J.J. asked. “I suppose
he
has something to do with this?”

“No,” Jack said with barely restrained patience. “Your brother isn’t involved. Morris was just trying to cause trouble.”

J.J. stared at him. “I know you had Jimmy killed. And Natalie. Somehow, you benefited from their death. You wouldn’t risk so much unless you came out on top. Big time.” He pointed to the VFW hall. “But Natalie’s mom? She isn’t going to give up. That means what you’re getting is worth the risk.” J.J.’s lips curled up at the corners. “So I want to know. What’re you up to?”

Jack scowled. “Not
now
, and especially not
here
.” A flash of sunlight caught his eye. He saw a white Silverado turning into the parking lot. “Look, I’ve got to go. You want to help? Keep an eye on that little girlfriend of yours. If anything out of the ordinary happens, call me on my cell. Now get back inside before you’re missed.”

“She’s busy talking with Chief Morris,” replied J.J.. “Does that have anything to do with what you’re up to?”

Two quick blasts of a horn got Jack’s attention. Webber had parked near the back of the lot. One arm hung lazily out the window and made that same little “hurry up” gesture.

Jack stepped close to J.J.. He jabbed a thick finger into his son’s chest—and was surprised when J.J., who topped the scales at 210 lbs, took an unbalanced step back.

“I don’t know why Morris is here,” he said. “That’s the truth. But if it does have something to do with your girly-friend, remember that whatever happened is your fault. You brought her into this.” Jack snorted. “You think you’re a man? That you can blackmail me? That you can fuck me over the way you did with your mother? Well, there are consequences to everything, though I doubt you have the brains to figure that out. Now get the hell out of here. I’m tired of looking at you.”

J.J.’s face flushed red. “You’re the one who messed it up with mom. I didn’t have anything to do with it. And what happened in the end? Kevin and I ended up paying the price.” Some of the color drained from his face. “I’ll keep an eye on Katie. But we’re not done here. I expect you to follow through with your part.” He turned and headed back toward the hall.

Finished with his son, Jack turned his attention to the Silverado. His nerves danced an edgy jitterbug as he crossed the parking lot. His lips pressed into a thin line. Blood rushed in his ears.

Webber’s arm folded into the cab. Jack saw a flash of light, and the man’s arm emerged with a cigarette wedged between two yellow-stained fingers, the end glowing a soft red, smoke rising in thin wisps until it was caught by the breeze and whisked away.

“Hello there,” Webber said, grinning. “Don’t you love it when a boy and his dad have one of those tender moments? I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.”

Jacked grabbed the cigarette from Webber’s hand, dropped it, and ground it out with his shoe. “Bad habit you have there. Don’t you know those things can kill you?”