The Straight Crimes (3 page)

“You want the truth?”

“Of course.”

Harper bit her lip and momentarily contemplated editing her response before it sprung out of her mouth. “’Cause Mama burned our place down.”

Nik’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “You’re kidding.”

“I wish.”

“I’m sorry. How’d she manage that?”

“Mama said she forgot to put out her cigarette before leavin’ for work. About an hour later, one of the neighbors called the police and said our trailer had gone up in flames.”

Nik shook his head. “That’s crazy.”

“Almost everything I owned was burned. I was so pissed.”

“Well, it was an accident.”

“I’m pretty sure she did it on purpose.”

“Why would she do that?”

“To get the insurance money and pay off her debts. Her phone’s always blowin’ up from someone she owes money to. The joke’s on her though, they ain’t gonna pay out the claim ‘til the investigation is through. We still haven’t heard anything.”

“All that for nothing?”

“Yeah. Anyway, we didn’t have anywhere to go or any money, so we came back here to live with Auntie. Honestly, I think Mama just needs to lay low for a while. She’s got all kinds of scummy friends down there, just none that’d take us in. I’m kinda glad none of them would. I wouldn’t wanna stay with any of that trash.”

“Do you think you and your mom will ever go back to Louisiana?”

“Only if Mama can’t follow the rules.”

“What rules?”

“Aunt Faye said Mama’s gotta hold down a full time job and stay clean.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah, we’ll see how long it lasts. The last time we lived with Auntie, she threw us out ‘cause Mama couldn’t help herself. ‘Course, that was after giving her a million chances, but this time Auntie ain’t puttin’ up with Mama’s games. There ain’t any second chances.”

“Wait—she’d throw
 
you
 out because of your mom?”

“Yep.”

“That doesn’t seem right.”

“Aunt Faye says if Mama didn’t have me, she wouldn’t have any reason to be responsible. So when Mama acts up, we become a packaged deal.”

Nik frowned. “I really hope that doesn’t happen. I wouldn’t want to see you leave Silver Shores.”

“Me neither.” Harper clicked her tongue and frowned. “Wow—I didn’t mean to go throwin’ all my dirty laundry out there like that, sorry.”

“No need to apologize. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only person who has to deal with family drama—and I like hearing you talk.”

“You’re real sweet.”

Nik smiled, feeling nervous. “Thanks.” Not sure what to say, he pointed at the lighthouse. “So have you ever been up there?”

“No, have you?”

“All the time ‘cause the keeper’s never there. I like going at night, especially in the middle of storms. It’s fun watching them roll in over the water.”

“I bet that’s somethin' to see.”

“We’ll have to check it out together.”

“That’d be great.”

“I’d like that.” Nik smiled.

“Me too.”

Harper felt her nerves take over and decided to change the subject. "Hey Nik, look." Harper pointed at one of the tents and an old wooden sign with blood red lettering on it that read ‘Psychic’.

"That’s Brielle Holloway. She’s sets up a tent every year.”

"Does she live here?”

"Yeah, just a few blocks from the pier, in the old Alvarado House.”

"What's that?"

“The murder house.”

“Really?”

"The former owner went crazy and murdered her family before killing herself. Since then, a lot of strange incidents have occurred.”

“Like what?”

“Piano music playing in the middle of the night, screaming, and all kinds of eerie sounds. That’s if you believe in ghosts and all that junk."

"You don’t?” she asked.

“It’s hard to believe in something you can’t see.”

“I know, but sometimes you’ve just gotta take a leap of faith.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“I take it you’ve never spoken to her.”

"Never.”

“Do you know anyone who has?”

“No. She charges sixty bucks a session.”

"Damn," Harper swore. "That's a lot."

"You’d actually wanna go?”

"Don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I’d love to, but I ain’t got that kind of money. Oh well, maybe someday.”

"Would you settle on riding the Ferris wheel with me instead?" Nik asked.

“Really?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“I seem to remember you sayin’ rides were for kids.”

“I lied.” He smiled. “It’s the best part of a carnival.”

“So you were too afraid to tell me you still like kiddie rides?”

“It’s not just about the fun. It’s all about the views you can see from up there.”

“Yeah, right.”

“You aren’t gonna make me ride alone, are you?”

Harper grinned. “’Course not.”

As they waited in line, Harper watched Nik reach for her hand. Then she noticed a couple of people staring and quickly pulled away.

For a moment, she wondered if he’d only accidently brushed it. While they ascended in the carriage, she secretly wished he’d try again so she knew for certain. Despite her fears, the warmth of his skin felt exhilarating.

They made their way to the very top of the Ferris wheel, overlooking the entire town. The cool breeze wafted off the water and across their timid bodies.

Harper noticed the way the lights flashed against Nik’s attractive face as he looked out at the lake. He was breathtaking. It took every ounce of her civility to keep from reaching across the seat and placing her mouth on his big, soft lips.

Nik glanced at Harper and caught her gazing at him.

It was obvious she was embarrassed as she quickly looked away.

“You like the view?”

“The view?” she asked, confused as to which one he was referring to. Harper’s face immediately turned red.

Nik flashed a smile to ease the tension. “You can see everything from up here.”

“You’re right,” she said, feeling relieved he hadn’t called her out. “The lighthouse still looks tall up here.”

“It is.”

“Climbin’ to the top is probably a good workout, huh?”

“Yeah, sometimes I run up the stairs. You’ll have to come with me and check it out sometime.”

“I’d like that, especially when it’s stormin’ like you said.”

“Just let me know when.”

Harper pointed down. “I like the marina and all those ships too. Do y’all ever go boatin’?”

“When I was younger we did. My parents have a speed boat we’d take on the smaller lakes up and down the coast.”

“Did y’all ever ride on Lake Michigan?”

“No, the waves are too strong for our tiny boat, but I’ve been across it on a ferry once.”

“Really, when?”

“It was a few years ago. I was headed to Wisconsin to visit my uncles, Jimmy and Robbie, for the summer.”

“Sounds more fun than drivin’. I’ve never been on one of those big ships.”

“You’ve gotta try it. Most of the way I kicked back with my eyes shut, letting the sun beat down on me. After that got boring, I’d write in my journal.”

“You write?” she asked.

“Yeah, all the time. That trip was so peaceful that it made it easy for me to concentrate. All you can hear are the seagulls and the roaring waves. The coolest part was being in the middle of the lake when all you can see is water. For once, I felt like I was free from my dad and all our problems.”

Realizing Nik was opening up to her, it made Harper feel important. It made her smile. “How long did you get to stay?”

“Three weeks. It went by really fast, but it was nice to get away from my parents’ arguing. I haven’t been back on the ferry since. I’ve thought about going again—just for the ride itself.”

“I’d be fine just hoppin’ on one of those boats, gettin’ wrapped up in a blanket, and watchin’ the stars from the dock,” Harper said, pointing back towards the marina.

“You’re easy to please.”

“You think so, huh?”

“Yeah, sounds like it.”

“Well I know it ain’t as excitin’ as racin’ through the swamps to wrestle alligators, or whatever it is you think I did back in Louisiana,” Harper joked.

“Probably not.” He laughed. “But I wouldn’t say no to a night under the stars at the marina.”

Good—she thought to herself.

After the ride finished its final lap, Nik helped Harper step out of the rocking carriage.

As they stood beside a photographer, she asked, “What do you wanna do now?”

“Let’s get our picture taken.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, so we can always remember our ride together.”

Although she agreed, Harper was reluctant of what others may think.

“Relax or you’re gonna look crazy,” Nik warned her.

“No I ain’t.” Harper loosened her shoulders and let out a nervous giggle.

“All right you guys hold still ‘til the count of three,” the photographer said.

Nik placed his arm around Harper’s soft shoulder.

The electric feeling of his body heat enveloped her soul. Although the experience of having an insanely hot guy pressing his warm flesh against hers was beyond comprehension, Harper still acted overly aware of who may be watching. One second she’d allow herself to relish in the delight, but the next, she was paranoid.

However, by the time the photographer snapped his lens, Harper lost herself in the moment and allowed her true feelings to emanate through her expression…at least long enough for the camera to capture a truly, perfect moment.

“I’ve had such a great time tonight. Thanks for invitin’ me, Nik.”

“I’m glad you came.”

“I appreciate you waitin’ on me for so long. Next time I’ll be on time.”

“Sure. Let’s just say you owe me one.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, definitely.” Nik grinned.

They were standing so close that their lips were only inches from each other. In those brief seconds, Harper felt the want on Nik’s breath matching her desire, but despite her yearning, she reluctantly pulled away.

As they began heading home, Nik held the picture out until it finished developing. They stopped at a street corner lamp so he could get a better look.

“Hey, it turned out great.” Nik noticed his expression. It’d been so long since he truly smiled, but being with Harper that night made it seem effortless.

“Let me see.” She held the photo to the light. “Yeah, you’re right.” She shook her head in disbelief. They looked absolutely perfect together…and it scared her to death.

THREE

A
s she hid from her sister in the damp basement, Mindi Sue Jones wrapped a tourniquet around her left arm like a professional rider hogtying a bucking bronco. She tapped two fingers against her flaky skin and searched for the first hungry vein to surrender itself.

Her arms were horribly scarred, like some decimated battlefield. Each mark harbored a painfully dark story and an incessant thirst for illegal toxins.

She closed her eyes in ecstasy as the sharp needle slowly penetrated her flesh, pumping heroin into her frail body.

“Mindi, what’s going on down there?” her older sister, Faye, screamed from the top of the stairs.

“Comin’,” she answered. The delusional woman hid the evidence as fast as she could and lunged for the laundry basket. Mindi climbed the stairs as if she were about to be lashed for her insolence.

“What are you doing?”

“Just emptyin’ the dryer.”

Faye latched onto Mindi’s arm and pulled her into the disheveled living room.

Panic flooded her senses. She closed her eyes and prayed to a God she only selfishly addressed in her hour of need, hoping Faye hadn’t notice the fresh blood.

“This place is disgusting. How many people were here last night?” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently.

“It was just me, Faye-Faye.”

“That ain’t what I heard. According to Bill Winston, there were three cars parked in the driveway and one across the street that left mud tracks in his front yard.”

Mindi’s mouth dropped. “Well Bill Winston’s an old busy-body and needs to mind his own God damn business. He don’t know what he’s talkin’ ‘bout.”

“Bill’s always been a good neighbor to me. You’re lucky he doesn’t call the police and press charges against you for vandalism.”

Mindi’s lip curled into a sneer. “Why? He’s just a stupid old queer who ain’t got a life of his own.”

“Don’t talk like that.”

“Why not? It’s true. Everyone knows he is.”

“So what? We ain’t talking about him.” Faye scowled. “We’re talking about you.”

“Look, it ain’t that deep, so just calm down, sissy. I had a couple drinks last night and fell asleep before I could take care of my lil’ mess. I was just comin’ to clean after I finished the laundry.”

“Good one.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Don’t make me laugh. I’ll come home later and it’ll still be here.”

“No it won’t.”

“You’ve barely been here two months, and I’m already sick of you. When are you gonna grow up? You’re thirty-six years old with a seventeen year-old daughter—who’s more responsible than you.”

“But Harper ain’t earnin’ a paycheck.”

“No, but if she were, she wouldn’t piss it away on booze. What’s with you? Just ‘cause you can’t do drugs no more you’re gonna drink yourself stupid and party every night?”

Mindi slicked her greasy red hair into a pony tail and stiffened her back. “It ain’t 
every 
night—”

“When you can’t find a party, you bring one back here and leave my house a disaster.”

“Well shit, after standin’ ‘round that factory ten hours a day, I’ve gotta relax. You’d go crazy too if you saw all them half-witted, inbred monkeys I’ve gotta deal with.”

“The point is you’ve been neglecting your responsibilities here.”

“Hello, don’t you see me workin’?” Mindi shoved the laundry basket at Faye.

“Only ‘cause I yelled about it. You say you’re gonna change, but I ain’t seen it yet.”

“Then you must be blind.”

“No, you’re blind. You can’t even see the horrible example you’re setting for Harper.”

“Enough, Faye.”

“You’re her mom. It’s time to start acting like it.”

“I do.”

“Please, you
 
never
 give her a lick of attention.”

“We ain’t goin’ there again, Faye.”

“You only care about yourself.”

“
You
 always stretch the truth.”

“I don’t think so.”

Mindi threw her arms in the air. “Look, I’m sorry I ain’t as perfect as you, but I’m tryin’ real hard. When the hell are ya gonna quit throwin’ my mistakes in my face?”

“Once you quit making them.”

Mindi glared at Faye. “I can’t be doin’ all that bad.”

“Right, only ‘cause I let you guys move in again.”

“Just ‘cause you own this house now don’t mean it ain’t my home. You always forget we 
both 
grew up here, sissy. This was my place just as much as it was yours, so don’t go makin’ me feel like a stranger here.”

“But
 
you
 forget I’m the one who’s kept it all these years while taking care of you and Ma, when she was sick. Even on her death bed, I was the one tending to her while you were out doing God knows what. And—”

“Exactly, you’re the angel. I’m the devil, blah blah blah, the end—”

“I’ve held two jobs to make the mortgage payment. I’ve never once turned your ass away when you called, crying your stupid little eyes out in the middle of the night ‘cause you didn’t know who the hell would take you in. Or those times you didn’t know how you’d make it through another week ‘cause you didn’t get a paycheck, so I wired you all kinds of money that you’ve yet to pay back. And who could forget the time you were so blitzed out of your frickin’ mind that I drove over nine hundred miles to come pick your skeleton body off the bathroom floor. I’ve always had your back, Mindi.”

“Right, but there’s always a price.”

“Yeah, it’s called gratitude, but you never show me any.”

“That’s a lie.”

Faye grumbled in exhaustion. “This argument’s getting old. I need you to pull it together and focus on making yourself better. I need your help around here without my asking. Also, you need to cut out the partying and stay clean. I know where it leads. If that happens again, your ass is outta here.”

It was difficult for Mindi to mask her glazed eyes as she wiped her scabbed hand over her tired face. “I ain’t doin’ drugs.”

Faye raised an eyebrow to Mindi’s facetious grin. “I didn’t say you were, just that you better not be.”

“I promise. I ain’t usin’,” she lied.

From around the corner, Harper overheard the redundant exchange and returned to her bedroom.

Just as she closed her door, a familiar tapping strummed against her window pane. She’d been so distracted by the argument she lost track of time.

It was Nik, resting his back against the soiled ivory siding, as he’d done every morning for nearly two months.

Although Harper’s family knew Nik, they didn’t know how Harper truly felt about him, or what was going on between them. However, she wasn’t entirely certain herself.

Harper’s mind and heart were especially heavy in the days preceding that morning. While studying her reflection, she couldn’t believe in a few weeks she’d be eighteen. Being so close to adulthood without having a full grasp of her sexual identity was frustrating. There was no denying her strong attraction to Nik. However, every time she entertained the idea of being with him romantically, she was faced with the inevitable truth that they couldn’t be together.

Harper’s deep thoughts were interrupted again by her family’s arguing. She took a deep breath and reluctantly emerged from her bedroom.

"Damn it Mindi, what’d you spill on the couch?”

“It’s just beer. That smell will lift out after it soaks a lil’.”

Faye’s frizzy red hair bounced around like a balloon as she scooped down and retrieved beer bottles from the badly stained carpeting.

"C’mon sissy, put down that damn bag. I already told you, I’ll take care of it.”

“Please, in an hour you'll be blacked out on that filthy couch.”

“I wish, but I’ve gotta work today.”

“I ought to go down there and find out how many times you’ve called out sick.”

"I’ve only missed work twice, well, three times, but the third time wasn’t really my fault.”

“I figured as much. You better hope they don’t fire ya.”

"Faye-Faye, you’re givin’ me a frickin’ migraine. It ain’t gonna happen.” She turned to Harper. “I’m workin’ hard, ain't that right, Pookie?"

Harper clapped her hands sarcastically. "Enough, Mama." She continued on her way to the coat closet. "Mornin’, Auntie."

"You’re heading out already?" Faye asked.

Mindi folded her frail arms and pouted like a child. "No ‘good mornin’’ for Mama?"

"I said enough, Mama.” Harper looked back at Faye. “Yeah I'm goin’ to the pier."

"But it’s raining.”

"It’s okay. My jacket’s got a hood, and Nik has an umbrella.”

Mindi chimed in. “Nik, again? My, y'all are spendin’ a lot of time together."

"He's the only friend I've got, Mama."

"Why do you need friends? You've got me and your Auntie." Mindi cackled as she searched for a match to light the cigarette hanging from the corner of her thin-lipped mouth.

"You need any money?" Faye asked.

"No thanks.”

"But sugar, you did all those chores last week, and I know Mindi ain’t paying you nothing.”

"That wasn’t me. Mama did the cleanin’,” she lied.

Faye’s cloudy blue eyes stared down at her niece in disbelief. "Bless your sweetness, but I know Mindi like the back of my hand. May God strike me dead if that woman ever lifts a finger to help anyone in this world besides herself."

"I heard that, Faye."

"Good, then do something about it.” She put her hands on Harper’s shoulders. “You don’t gotta lie for her.” Then she stuck a handful of bills in Harper's pocket.

"No, Auntie—”

"Don't argue with me. Now get your little butt outta here."

"Don't forget to come give Mama a big kiss," Mindi squawked from her chair.

She ignored Mindi and waved goodbye to Faye.

After escaping the house, Harper felt relieved to be away from the incessant headache she’d been listening to her entire life.

"What was that about?” Nik asked.

"Just the same stupid crap as always. They drive me crazy.”

During their trip into downtown Silver Shores, Harper walked at an unusually steady pace through the drizzling rain. Thoughts seemed to overlap each other in her overworked mind.

Meanwhile, Nik anxiously hobbled behind, struggling to keep up.

"What’s going on?” he finally asked. “You’re never this quiet.”

Harper turned to him, shielding her face from the spitting wetness. “Mama’s gonna screw it up again.”

"Why, did she get fired?”

"Not yet, but she’s skippin’ work and still usin’.”

Nik frowned. “She probably never stopped.”

“’Course not. She’s been shootin’ up in the basement. I’ve tried coverin’ for Mama by doin’ all the housework, but after I’m in bed she trashes everything. Auntie’s gettin’ real tired. It’s only a matter of time before we get the boot. A few days ago, I overheard Mama on the phone with her ex-girlfriend back in Fire Brush. I think she’s tryin’ to make everything right with her in case we need a place.”

Nik's heart sank. He couldn't bear the thought of Harper leaving, especially in such a miserable existence. It made him denounce his own situation. At least he had the comfort of knowing his home would always be in the same place, even if it was dysfunctional.

“I don’t want you to leave.” Nik frowned. “Even if she kicked your mom out, couldn’t you convince your Aunt to let you stay?”

“No.”

“But she sees how horrible your mom is. Surely Faye knows you’d be better off here.”

“You’re right, but there ain’t any reasonin’ with Auntie when it comes to Mama.”

Suddenly, a cherry red sports car tore down the road with its music blasting and tires screeching across the slick pavement. Nik immediately recognized Daisy Holloway and her obnoxious friend, Mal.

"Hey Queers," Daisy insulted them.

Harper anxiously wanted Nik to stand up to her, but all he did was stare blankly.

"What's the matter, can’t afford your own car?" Daisy snipped.

"Yeah right, look at Nik’s ratty clothes,” Mal mocked from the passenger seat.

"I'd offer you guys a ride, but I don't let scum in my car. Sorry."

Harper smirked. "But why not? I see you make an exception for skanks.”

“I’m not a skank,” Mal insisted.

Daisy glared at Harper. "Watch it, hillbilly.”

"I ain’t scared. I already told you I could take y’all down.”

"I'd like to see you try."

“I’m warnin’ you.”