Hazards on the Hardwood (Hazards and Hijinks) (5 page)

11

Nicholas Kincaid had written his sermon, set up a dance practice session with “Queen Caroline” and was patting himself on the back when his phone rang.

“Hello Nicholas here.”

“Nicholas Kincaid?” The voice sounded unfamiliar. Probably a wrong number. He was about to end the call when the voice continued, “Nicholas you don’t know me, but my name is Landon Mills. I’m from Vegas and I have some information that might help someone in your dance circle. Are you familiar with a lady named Sasha O’Neill? I believe she was in one of competitions you participated in a few years ago.” Nicholas was trying to recall Sasha. Oh, he did remember Sasha
, a red-haired firecracker that blew away the judges with her samba.

“Yes I do remember Sasha.” He said, waiting for Landon to continue.

“Sasha has a sister, Sophie and she is about to have a whole lot of trouble heaped on her by her estranged husband, Willie O’Brien. He’s a high rolling gambler here in Vegas and word’s gotten out that he wants custody of his baby daughter and he’s calling in some of his high rolling hood friends to help him. It’s not a good situation at all. So if you can get a word to Sasha about what’s coming down, it would be a good idea to do so. I remember meeting you, Nicholas. Didn’t you dance with some kind of lovely socialite, let me see, what was her name? Oh yes, Caroline something or other.”

“Yes, Caroline Smathers has been my dance partner for several competitions. Thank you, Landon for the heads up call. I will try to contact Sasha and see if I can be of help to her and her sister.” Nicholas had a tone of determination in his voice.

Panic seized Nicholas. He was respectful to all God’s creatures but had no patience for conniving low-life hoodlums trying to do bad things to good people. He just wouldn’t let that one go. He had to find one of his old dance programs and see if Sasha was listed as a participant. He also remembered Landon was a fifty year old rather tall guy; smooth talking and an expert at fox trot and quickstep.

Landon seemed like he was on the up and up and so Nicholas took his information to heart. Now to find Sasha and warn her family about the coming situation.

Nicholas dropped what he was doing and started searching for an old program, directory, anything associated with dance competitions from several years back. This was like looking for a needle in the proverbial haystack. Digging through box after box, he realized that he might make a great story for that reality television show, “Hoarders.”

As he was rifling through old crinkled papers in one box, there it was! He’d found something that could be helpful. The Lakeside Dance Competition program from last year. This could be it! He eagerly thumbed through the participants listed and bull’s-eye! He’d found it…Samba danced by Sasha O’Neill and partner Raul Griffith. There was an email address below their names. That would be the first thing to try. The picture to the left of their names rang a definite bell in Nicholas’ mind. On the night of the free dance, he’d danced with her. He was sure of it. Her red locks all pulled up demure in a bun, the beautiful beaded gown of flaming orange to accentuate her hair. She was gorgeous! A lovely dancer and she had a smile like an angel. He remembered something about her. What was it? Ah, he did remember, finally. She owned a small pub on the east side. What was it called? Did she still own it? It had been long ago. “The Pig and the Poke,” that was the name. He quickly got online and Googled the name. It came up along with a phone number. This was great!

He picked up his phone and called the number listed.

“Pig and Poke,” a rather Irish sounding man said into the phone. Whether his accent was fake or real, it was thick!

“Yes, I wonder if you could tell me if a lady named Sasha O’Neill still owns your establishment. I’ve got urgent business with her and must get in touch with her right away. My name is Nicolas Kincaid. I’ve participated in some dance competitions that also included Ms. O’Neill. Can you help me?”

The Irish fellow on the other end of the line said, “I will need to take yer name and number and call Ms. Sasha doncha know. I wouldn’t be comfortable given out her number to a stranger. She sold the pub about a year ago. Yer talkin’ to the new owner. Finn Flannery at yer service!”

“My name is Nicholas Kincaid, as I’ve already stated and my number is 212-555-6943. Please have her contact me as soon as she’s able. It’s extremely important.” He hung up the phone and hoped and prayed that the fellow would forward the message to Sasha.

Next, he pulled up the email address and composed a quick note to Sasha. He didn’t know if it would go through or not. It could be thrown into her spam file, but that was the chance he had to take. Time was ticking away and it was crucial that he reached her.

Sasha heard a timid sounding knock at her door and invited her weary worn out sister and niece in. It was warm and cozy, lots of pretty bright décor to welcome in the travelers. First a meal; then to bed. They needed their rest. The next few days would be very rough on all of them. Sasha had to make sure her sister was safe from that evil man.

“Sophie you take your things to your room and get settled in and I’ll fix you something hot to eat and a cup of coffee. Has Zoe eaten yet? If you have a bottle I could warm it up while you are getting comfortable.”

“Yes I just fed her on the way over in the cab. But she didn’t drink too much so she probably needs to drink a bit more. Me? I’m famished. I haven’t eaten a good meal in I don’t know how long. Money has been tight and I just get by.”

Sophie sounded a little more upbeat than on the phone. It was good to have her little sister around once more. Even though the situation was not a good one, Sasha was sure she could help her sister and niece. Just having them here meant a great deal to her.

* * * *

The ballroom dancing community, although global, was close-knit. The directory Nicholas had found had many familiar names listed. Besides Sasha, there were other people that he had recalled from previous competitions. Nicholas had mixed emotions as he browsed through the book; apprehension and relief.

Another name popped out and he got an immediate feeling of dread. Edward Haversham was on that list. Edward, oh he remembered Edward for sure. The man had no conscience from what Nicholas could deduce. He always had a secretive smirk and a sinister darkness to his personality. He came on as a gentleman but Nicholas possessed a gift of discernment, which he didn’t take lightly.

Edward had competed at a couple of the same dance contests as Nicholas. He recalled that Edward always had a lovely lady on his arm. His wife, Sparky. “That was a contrived name if ever he heard one,” Nicholas thought as he silently snickered. “Who names their daughter Sparky?” The name rolled around in his brain for a while.

It occurred to Nicholas that Edward seemed to always have a look of mischief about him. His persona seemed to hide his real purpose; a made-up appearance.

12

Taffy continued to “roll around” the thoughts in her head about the mysterious man and his erratic behavior in the coffee shop. It seemed like she had seen him somewhere before, but where? She would figure it out in time. Meanwhile, today she had to get a move on and finish that monstrous photo shoot with all those barfy kids.

She showered and put on her makeup and headed out the door. Today hopefully would be a better day. The kids should be more cooperative and also keep their breakfasts to themselves.

Hailing down a cab, she headed to the warehouse once again. Yippee! Another exciting round of shouts by Gus Monroe, the gritty director.

As she arrived at the location, she noticed there was someone lurking behind a shady corner of the building. As soon as she looked in that direction, the person ducked back into the shadows. An unsettling feeling sunk into her as she exited the taxi. After paying the driver, she tried to shake off the feeling of someone watching her.

Composing herself and preparing to meet those stinky kids, she took a deep breath and walked onto the set. Gus came up to her and said, “Well, hello Princess. It’s so good of you to come back for another try. I’m sure these little rug rats will behave better today. I warned their parents that if they screwed up one more time they were out. Finished. Caput!”

“Well, that’s a relief.” Taffy took another deep breath. She hoped it would turn out to be true. She hadn’t signed up for this when she got the job.

“Okay kids I want you to come over here to the counter and if anyone decides to do anything that isn’t on the script, you are FIRED!” Gus had a way of delivering an ultimatum that was unbelievable. He didn’t have to yell. He got the message out and those little snot-nosed brats understood. He didn’t need to repeat himself, just deliver the punch and that was it. Their parents must have had a huge pep-talk with them about the money issue. After all, that’s why the parents had their kids go through all of this…so the mommies and daddies could have extra spending money to augment their lifestyles.

This time the photo shoot went off perfectly and everyone on the set seemed to be in a state of relief and euphoria. The children became little angels and performed impeccably. Taffy was handed her paycheck and reached in her purse for her phone. She stepped outside into the crisp air and noticed a dark car parked across the street. The goose bumps started again. Someone was definitely keeping tabs on her. She tried to nonchalantly get a look at the person inside the vehicle but with tinted windows, it was highly unlikely. She only saw a shadow.

As soon as the driver saw her take notice, he started up the car and drove off rapidly. She tried to make a mental note of the license plate but he sped up at the last moment and she was unable to get it.

13

Edward had followed Taffy to the warehouse. He knew she was aware of his presence but he had hidden himself quickly. He didn’t think she had seen his face. As he waited for her to come out he had made a call to a pharmaceutical company in Jersey.

Calling the number, a voice on the other end said, “Prescriptions and Pharmaceuticals. Max Levy here. How may I help you?”

“Yes Max, this is Marty Gimbleman. Is my compound ready?” Edward had changed his name, thinking he was pretty clever.

“Yes, Mr. Gimbleman. It will be ready next Wednesday. I hope you will be pleased. We worked very hard to create just what you had wanted. Please do be discreet. If word got out about this, we would be shut down and my staff would lose their jobs.” The guy didn’t sound very sincere. But hey, he was an under the table pharmacist. He didn’t have all those lovely certificates on his office wall. He did what he did purely for the amount of cash and that was it.

Edward was relieved that the compound would be ready in a few days. His idea was sheer genius. He would only administer the medicine to a couple of judges. Just a couple of drops in their water and “poof” they were disoriented and drowsy. Edward didn’t want it to look too obvious. He could be very devious when he made his mind up to do so.

“Take me to Starbucks on Broadway, please.” Taffy tried to push the thought of being watched out of her mind at least temporarily. She had to focus on her second job of the day and then she would also have a practice session with “dear Francois” in the evening.

Taffy walked in and saw that Ashley was on duty today. That always made her happy. Ashley was a fun and friendly person. Always bubbling over with cheer and enthusiasm. “Hey Ashley.” Taffy said.

“Hey Taffy. How’s it going? Did you get through the shoot okay? No mishaps today?”

“Thankfully no, and what a relief that it’s over. I can hardly wait to see where Cedric puts me to work next.” She said in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

“Ashley, you know that guy that was in here and left his phone; I have a very eerie feeling that he’s watching me.”

“What? Why do you think that?” Ashley’s eyes were huge. She wasn’t much for confrontation or intrigue.

“I pulled up to the warehouse for the photo shoot today and I caught a brief glimpse of someone in the shadows of the building. As soon as I turned in that direction the person disappeared. Then after the shoot there was a strange car across the street and I have an idea it was that guy.”

“Did you get the license number? That would help.”

Taffy replied, “No he sped off before I could write it down.”

“I have a feeling this is not the end of this mystery man’s appearance in my life.” Taffy said sounding a little worried.

“Well maybe the guy wasn’t even watching you. Maybe he was watching someone else. You know you watch too many of those mysteries on television. It’s gone to your head.” Ashley giggled.  “How about a latte before you start your shift?”

“Thanks, Ash. That sounds like a great idea.”

Edward saw Taffy sitting at a table. He had taken a cab and positioned himself in front of a window opposite the coffee shop. From his vantage point he could see anyone walking in or out of the store as well as Taffy’s every move. He didn’t know why, but he thought she was a threat to his plan. He would find out what she knew somehow.

Taffy had that feeling of being watched all day long. She glanced periodically out the front window and felt like he was out there, somewhere. Some of her favorite customers noticed her preoccupation and asked if she was okay. “Yes, I’m okay. Just a busy day, that’s all,” Was her standard reply.

Edward kept watch all day and then his waiting paid off. Taffy stepped out to make a phone call.

“Francois it’s me Taffy. I think I’m being watched. There was a man in here a couple of days ago and he was talking quietly on the phone and then he started raising his voice…something about a medication and then when he saw that others were noticing him, he darted out of the store.” Taffy was talking a mile a minute.

“Then, he left his phone on the table. Ashley found it and when the guy came back in to get it he was very rude and didn’t even thank her. I think he’s up to no good. And…I also think he’s following me.”

Francois listened as Taffy told him the story. Edward also heard the one-sided conversation.

“Taffy,” Francois replied, “Have you a description of this man? You need proof that he’s up to no good. You need to find out who he is and then figure out what he’s planning. Have you ever seen him in your store before?”

Francois, dear Francois, always full of questions. She didn’t have any answers yet, but she would dig until she had some.

Edward had heard enough to convince him that he had to be cautious and figure out what to do with “Miss Nosey Britches.”

Things were looking a little shaky for Edward. He needed to talk to Sparky. Why hadn’t he heard from her? She was probably off somewhere shopping or getting a mani-pedi. Always a great spender of his hard earned money she found creative ways of flaunting their combined wealth.

Edward called Sparky’s number and waited for her to pick up. “Pick up woman!” He said to himself.

“Hello darling.” Sparky’s voice was so pleasing. She knew what buttons to push. Edward was totally under her spell, mesmerized by her glamour and her personality. She was spunky, daring and mischievous.

“How’s my pookey wookey today? I didn’t want to wake you when I left this morning. Is everything okay lover lumps?” Sparky was no new kid on the block when it came to flattery and smooth talking her hubby. She had mad skills!

Edward melted like smooth butter on hot toast. “Yes my sweetness. I woke up and realized my dear sweet girl had already left bright and early. Now let’s see…what could she be up to today?” He dug for a little more detail of her day, knowing of course, that she had definitely been shopping. The girl lived to shop.

“I dropped by Gucci and got that new bag I told you about last week. It was on sale and I just couldn’t resist.” Edward figured Sparky-poo couldn’t resist an ice house if it was offered to her with along with a faux bear rug! The woman was irrepressible. Her closet was big enough to replace a wing of the Metropolitan Art Museum.

Edward didn’t want to appear agitated as he responded to his lovely wife. “Sparky I need you to be cautious when you are out shopping from now on. I’ve heard from a reliable source that someone is possibly tailing me and the same may be true for you. Just be on your guard. You never know, there are some pretty unsavory characters out there.” He felt better after warning Sparky. After all, he had her best interests at heart. At least for now!

* * * *

Taffy wanted to make sure Francois had lined up their practice session at the studio.

“Yes, my love, calm down.  We have a reservation for a practice room at the dance studio. Just be cautious and I’ll see you at six-thirty sharp!”

He sounded so debonair and gentlemanly but she knew better. He would be great as a Hollywood actor; he was such a poser!

“See you there Francois.”

She grabbed her bag of dancing clothes and hailed a cab. One pulled up and as Taffy jumped in the backseat, she happened to glance over her shoulder and she saw ‘him’ in the shadows. He tried to back into a dark corner but it was too late. She’d seen his outline and a bit of his face. As her mind went into gear she thought about the image and realized there was something vaguely familiar about him. She’d seen him before…like maybe at work. That was it! He was the guy that was in Starbucks raising a ruckus.

* * *
*

Edward thought to himself, “How could I be so stupid and let that woman see me? There has to be a discreet way to handle this fly in the ointment.” He thought long and hard and finally came up with what he figured was a great solution. He now knew her mundane daily schedule, thanks to her obvious disregard for changing up her boring routine to throw off some evil stalker of potential victims.

He realized he would need help if he was going to eliminate this nuisance and thwart her plan to expose him as the sinister person he knew himself to be.

Edward would have to think about it for a while.

* * * *

If Taffy was going to catch this guy before he did major damage, and rein in this creep she would need some assistance. Who did she know that was slightly sneaky, delightfully devious and otherwise quite the fabulous friend? “Sasha.” She muttered under her breath.

She hadn’t heard from Sasha for a long time. How long had it been, actually? These two loved to get together and talk gowns, shoes and who was dancing with whom? Delicious gossip was always on the menu where they were concerned.

They had been best friends ever since high school. Their career paths took opposite directions but they renewed their old friendship running into each other at a regional dance competition a few years ago. They were delighted and shocked to see each other and quickly made a promise that they would stay in touch. Of course, life has a way of playing out different than some promises do.

Taffy had gone to a school at NYC following a major in Political Science but when it didn’t work out she enrolled in a school for the arts and studied modeling and graduated top of her class. Her love of fashion and design wooed her into freelance fashion modeling work around New York and nation-wide. She also loved people and her part-time job at Starbucks which helped nurture that aspect of her life. All-in-all, she was exceptionally happy with the way things had turned out.

Sasha hadn’t changed that much in all those years except in the area of finances. She became an important businesswoman owning one of the most popular pubs in New York City. She married young and divorced.

Sasha grew tired of her hectic schedule and she put the pub up for sale. An Irish businessman, Finn Flannery, answered the advertisement. It proved to be very lucrative for Sasha. She would never worry about her financial security ever again. She was basically set for life.

She bought an apartment in Manhattan.

Although, Sasha and Taffy were on opposite sides of the financial and social scale, they were good friends. A few gaps in their time spent together but they were only a phone call away from each other.

Once Sasha had made her mark financially, she figured she could help out Taffy if she needed to. The opportunity just hadn’t presented itself yet.

Taffy called Sasha’s old number, hoping that she would answer. “Hello, Sasha here.” Ah it sounded good to hear her voice after such a lengthy absence. “Hey Sasha, it’s me, Taffy. How are you dear? Haven’t heard from you in so long.” Taffy was happy to talk to her.

“Are you going to compete in the Lakeside Dance Competition? Please say you are. It would be so good to beat you! Just kidding!” Taffy hoped she would say yes.

“Yes I am planning on entering the competition with that crazy no good Raul. We still dance together now and then. Lately he’d been filling his nights with online dating websites. He and I as a dating couple are no more. I found him out by signing myself up on the site and baiting him. It worked! I found the scoundrel with a profile as fake as a high
-schooler’s drinking I.D.”

“Oh Sasha, it’s good you found out now instead of later. Relationships are not easy to grow. Francois is as arrogant as they come. He’s always speaking in a fake French accent and acting like a continental gentleman when in reality, how continental could he be as a co-owner of a spandex factory? But the one good thing about Francois is that he dependable. He’s like a rock. He has helped me through some rough times and for that I’m grateful. So I give him a little room for error.” Taffy believed in Francois even if he was little dramatic and over the top.

Taffy mentioned this man hanging out in the coffee shop, and that he might be tailing her.

“What possible reason would he have for doing that? Did you flirt with him or something?” Sasha laughed at her own silly question.

“No definitely not!” Taffy sounded a little irritated at Sasha’s upfront question.

“I just heard something that really didn’t even make sense to me at all. Something about medications and a place that was producing it for him. Now why that would stir concern in the man I have no idea. Unless…he was doing something illegal. Maybe that was it. He was intending to hurt someone and I heard part of the conversation and he was probably afraid I would call the cops.” The scene played out again in Taffy’s mind. “He had looked angry and distracted. He didn’t even finish his coffee.”

“You need to act like you don’t know he’s tailing you and reverse it on him. Be sneaky and pop in a side door somewhere and see if he starts searching for you. And take a picture of him with your phone. You can zoom in when you get home. That way you can confirm if it’s the same guy or not.” Sasha was quite the little private investigator!

“That sounds like a great idea. You are one smart girl, Sasha…and a bit devious if I might say so myself!”

“Say Taffy do you want to meet at the coffee shop and head out from there and try to get him to follow us?”

“That sounds deliciously fun!” Taffy was all for it. They would meet up at noon at Starbucks and go from there. Yes, she might be able to corner this man and find out what he was really up to.