“Shit!” I said as I read. I especially liked the part where they claimed that Sadie Millstead had no comment. “They are moving faster than I thought. This is going to kill the banquet.”
“You could fill ten banquets if you just let people know you will be there,” Tony claimed, “my wife would demand tickets. I could get half the force to show up.” I smiled at the thought. Maybe my five minutes of fame would be worth one banquet.
“I don’t have much time. These guys are a few steps ahead of me,” I said. I could call the press, but I didn’t know anyone I could trust. The story could spiral out of my control and become about me.
“I think I can help you with that.” Tony picked up the phone and dialed. “Rick, Leach out there? Okay, send him to my office.” He hung up. “Leach is our resident freelance journalist. He follows us out to crime scenes and sells the stories to the paper. I think you two can use each other.” He smiled conspiratorially. Leach walked in.
“David, this is Bob Townsend. We affectionately call him Leach.” I rose and shook the hand of the confused-looking man.
“What’s this about, Tony?” Leach asked.
“A story for a story, Leach,” Tony, said indicating an empty seat to Bob, “David needs some press and in exchange you get an exclusive.” Realization washed across Bob’s face.
“David Thaxton?” Bob asked, looking at me. I nodded. He smiled from ear to ear. “Deal!”
For the third time that day, I explained what had happened. Leach was taking copious notes as I spoke, and asking questions to clarify what I said. Tony seemed proud of himself for putting us together. He excused himself to get my wallet.
“So you want me to let everyone know you will be at the banquet. That’s it?” Leach asked.
“Yep and I would prefer they don’t know where to find me prior to the banquet,” I responded.
“You’ll talk to no other reporters?” Leach was bursting at the seams. Tony returned with a plastic bag containing my wallet and some kind of form.
“No one but you,” I agreed, “at least until you get a chance to print the story.” Bob smiled and rubbed his hands together.
“After all this time, why are you coming out now?” Bob asked. I thought I just explained it all to him.
“I just told you, to help Sadie and the City Kitchen,” I said, obviously frustrated.
“You don’t owe them anything, why would you risk it?” Bob was pushing me. I had no idea why, but I was edging on angry.
“Look, I promised her I would help. So I’m helping.” This time I made it sound final. Bob’s pen went into hyperdrive.
“You just can’t make this stuff up,” Bob said absently, “another promise.” Tony laughed and I sighed. Bob was going to blow it out of proportion. The banquet needed it so I let it go. “Is it okay for me to bring a cameraman to the banquet?”
“I thought you were newspaper,” I replied.
“Freelance. With this story I’ll be a media superstar.” Bob celebrated with his hands in the air.
“Okay, but keep it low-key. I don’t want this to be circus.” Bob laughed at my remark.
“Too late for that. I’ll just try to make sure you don’t look too clownish.” Bob was cleaning up his notebook as he spoke. “I’ll need another interview the day after the banquet. It shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes or so.” I nodded my head. “I have to get this out if I am going to make the paper tomorrow. I won’t leak your location, but some will guess it. I would stay hidden if I were you.” He shook my hand and scurried off.
“You’ve been ‘Leached,'” Tony said sarcastically. He pushed over a form for me to sign. It allowed me to get my wallet back. “You know it’s going to be a madhouse, right?”
“If that’s what it takes, so be it.” I signed my name and retrieved my wallet. “I have to break into my condo, think I will get arrested?”
“Come on, I’ll drive you.” Tony laughed as he grabbed his jacket.
It was strange being back in my home. It was comforting and alien at the same time. Everything reminded me of Amber, not as strongly as before, but just as depressing. It was hardest in the closet, where her clothes collided into mine. My section kept getting smaller over the years. Fond memories of joking with her about being a pack rat burned through my thoughts. I couldn’t live here anymore. Even if I would pack away everything of hers, the walls would still bleed her passing. It was just too much love to lose.
My pants were too big in the waist and I had to drop two notches on my belt. I had lost a lot of weight since I jumped off that bridge. I looked in the mirror and couldn’t tell whether it was a good loss or an unhealthy one. I wondered if my beard hid an emaciated visage or a strong jaw. I wouldn’t shave it today, I would save that for the banquet. I packed some toiletries and filled a suitcase with more clothes. I was done living like a beggar.
I put together a new set of keys from my spares and grabbed my warm jacket out of the closet. It was sitting next to Amber’s parka. A person could survive the North Pole in that parka. Amber hated the cold, and loved how the parka would shield her against it. I always thought it was overkill. I grabbed it and brought it with me. No need to let it rot on a hanger. It was time to start letting the past go.
Tony drove me to my car. It stood, lonely, in the vast parking lot next to the venue I had sung in so long ago. It argued with me, trying not to start, but eventually kicked into a nice idle. I thanked Tony for all his help. He thanked me for promising to make an appearance at the annual Guns and Hoses boxing match next month. I couldn’t say no after all he had done. I wasn’t sure what I could offer a bunch of police officers and firefighters, but I agreed. I returned to the City Kitchen, this time with a car and a full wallet. I felt more normal, although I wasn’t confident it was a good thing.
Dinner was in full swing when I arrived. I left my bags in the car, but brought in the parka. Sadie did not look good. I could see the strain in her eyes, and knew it had been a difficult day. She was stoic at the head of the line, but I knew she just wanted to collapse and let it all go. I smiled at her as I entered and got a bit of a surprised look at my slight transformation.
“The caterer for the banquet canceled,” Sadie said quietly when I moved next to her. “There was an article in the paper and they didn’t want to be part of it.”
“I think they will reconsider tomorrow,” I said confidently. I would have to move heaven and earth if they didn’t, but I didn’t want Sadie to know that. She needed my confidence. I needed her confident.
“What did you do?” Sadie asked, looking at me, confused.
“Everything I could,” I responded, “where’s Maggie?” Sadie pointed to the end table in the back. Maggie was eating with Houser. “I’ll be right back.” I walked over to the two of them.
“See if this fits you, Maggie,” I said, holding up the parka. Maggie’s eyes went wide as she stood up and removed her old jacket. I held the parka up like a gentleman and let her step into it. It fit her wonderfully.
“I ain’t never had anything this nice.” Maggie said, as she ran her hands along the fake fur lining.
“You do now.” Amber would be pleased. She would have loved to know the parka was keeping someone warm. “Payment for the boots,” I added, nodding over to Houser. He gave me one of his ugly toothy smiles.
“I owe you, Frank,” Maggie said, “I owe you a lot.”
“You owe me nothing and my real name is David.” I was done hiding. “I had something I didn’t need and you needed it. Simple as that.” Maggie surprised me with a hug. It wasn’t the first time I was hugged by that parka. I fought the tears and hugged her back. At least Maggie would be warm this winter.
I walked back to Sadie, clearing my eyes with the back of my hand. That was a little harder than I had expected.
“That was nice of you,” Sadie said as I approached.
“It was Amber’s,” I said nodding back at Maggie and the parka. I saw concern form on Sadie’s face.
“You went home?”
“Yes, I can’t stay there, though.”
“You’re welcome to stay here,” Sadie said, “as Frank or David.”
“It’s David and I would like to stay for now,” I said honestly.
“I’m glad,” Sadie said and quickly went to deal with an issue on the serving line. I watched her skirt swirl with her hips as she moved and realized I was glad also.
It was at the tail end of cleanup when a well-dressed lady entered. She was wearing a tailored dark gray business suit with a silk blouse. She was carrying an expensive black briefcase case as if it was part of her. Her black hair was pulled back severely and secured tightly with a tiny black bow. She walked like she owned the place. I disliked her immediately.
“Sadie Millstead?” the woman asked, holding her hand out to Sadie. Sadie nodded and shook her hand. “I’m Barbara Cane, a lawyer at Helick, Cane and Walters. I wonder if we could talk for a moment.” Sadie led her to one of the dining tables. I hovered, re-cleaning part of the floor in the dining room.
“I represent a party who is interested in resolving the predicament you find yourself in.” Barbara held a half grin while she talked. I suspected it was always there, but I found it rude.
“What predicament would that be?” Sadie asked, acting so innocent I almost believed her.
“I am speaking of the charges that have been leveled against you and the City Kitchen. I assume you have seen the paper.” Barbara didn’t let Sadie’s act fool her. It seemed to be a game she liked to play.
“I don’t concern myself with the idle chatter in the paper,” Sadie said, waving her hand in dismissal. “My accountants assure me I have been more than forthright and all the issues will disappear in time.” Barbara lost her grin. I don’t think she was expecting Sadie’s strength. In truth, I didn’t expect it either.