The Golden Years

Stuck In Career Mode

Eddie glanced at the card Riley gave him and wondered if he should attempt a call so soon. Would she look on a dinner as a harmless ask, or would she stamp him lascivious? He liked that word, but not the meaning. Hell, he only had two weeks, and it was a genuine offer of a dinner for some conversational company. He picked up the phone and dialled the number.

"Who?"

"Eddie Banks, from the art show. Our coffee was interrupted."

"Oh! Oh, yes. Did you have a question or - why did you call?"

"I do have a question, and I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I'm alone in this town on a short vacation as I told you, and would really like some conversation and company for dinner."

The silence came down the line like a disappointed sigh, matching his own.

"Look, I know what you must be thinking. All I can say is the offer is as sincere as the one for the coffee - and again, I can't promise the same for a dinner." He heard a soft chuckle and his hopes rose.

"As it turns out, Eddie, I actually think I would enjoy some different company for one night. I'll choose the place, since you're a stranger - and, Eddie, this is just dinner right?"

"On my honour, Riley, and thank you for agreeing. This old man would like some different company as well. I'll pick you up . . .?"

"Seven. Address on the card I gave you. See you, Eddie."

He listened a moment then hung up slowly. That telltale click was very familiar to Detective Banks.

******

Riley met him in the driveway of her home as he pulled in, and climbed into the car before he could get out and play the gentleman.

"Are we making a getaway?" He grinned.

"I have a roomie for a day or two whose nose grows every time I go out."

"Is it a big nose?"

She looked over. "Not very."

He backed out and asked where they were headed.

"At the end of the main drag. Rancho Mexico."

"You're kidding! I was going to suggest that place. I've never had Mexican."

She checked to see if he was pulling her leg. "Is that true?"

"Yes, to both!"

"My husband was a partner in the original. His partner sold it after . . . well, after. I've been back a couple of times. Sentimental."

"You sure you want to go there?"

Her voice suggested something else. "Oh, yes. It's not a problem, and the food is good."

Eddie found the restaurant and parked in the spacious lot. Riley allowed him to take her arm as they entered through the thick wooden doors.

"Riley! What a pleasure. Drinks or dinner?"

"Dinner, Manny, thank you. This is my friend, Eddie Banks. Eddie, Manny is the most popular fixture at Rancho Mexico."

"Any friend of Riley's, Senor." He turned and led them through the busy tables to a small elevated platform by a corner window, seated them and left large menus to study.

Eddie scanned the room then opened the menu. "You reserved this table."

"How did you guess?"

"Not a guess. Your friend Manny led us straight here in spite of the little theatre at the door."

"You sound like a detective."

He smiled. "How about you order, I have no idea what any of this is?"

"Can you stand spicy?"

"Moderately, but don't let me stop you."

"Don't worry. Let's get a couple of Margaritas, they are fantastic."

It seemed Rancho Mexico was a popular spot. The turnover was steady and the tables were never empty. Eddie found he enjoyed some of the dishes, but Riley's company even more. She told him about her husband, and how he and his partner had scraped and saved to start the restaurant, and how it all collapsed when he died.

The partner sold right away, and managed to get the most out of the deal, leaving her with very little. Eddie didn't pry, but his ear pricked up when he heard who the new owners were.

"So, the city bought this place?"

"Not the city itself, a few of the councilmen and some board members. They formed some kind of company that bought it."

"And they let your husband's partner screw you? Sorry, that was rude and really none of my business."

"That's okay. It feels good to rant to somebody besides myself." She looked down, her cheeks pinking.

Eddie picked up his second Margarita, and carefully held the giant glass while he sipped through the crust of salt. The fact that she was ripped off set his teeth on edge. Too many of those incidents crossed his desk over the years, and they still rankled.

"So, are you managing okay - with the art and stuff? Oh, wait, you did sell one while I was there the other day. How did that go?"

"Yes - it was good. A lovely couple bought three, if you can imagine. They were looking at the same one as you . . ." Her eyes drifted toward the door and she stopped speaking.

He turned to follow her gaze, and saw the three men standing with Manny at the door.

"Something wrong?"

She shook her head and looked back at him. "No. No - could we leave?"

"What is it, Riley? Of course we can go if you want to."

"Please, I'd like to leave."

"Sure. I'll get the cheque." He held her chair and she went straight to the exit.

Manny hurried over at his signal and Eddie gave him his card. "Who are those men that just came in?"

Manny flinched. "Just customers."

"Don't bullshit me, Manny. Who are they?"

The iron in the voice had Manny doing a tiny soft shoe at the table. "They work for the owners. They're . . . enforcers."

"I won't tell them you told me." Manny's face turned ashen.

******

Eddie pulled into the driveway, engine running.

"Sure you don't want to tell me anything?" He asked.

"Nothing to tell, Eddie." Her voice quavered and the smile was forced. "Thank you for a lovely time."

"Riley, don't do the brave bit with me okay? Why were you upset seeing those men?"

"It's nothing, and I think I'm finished ranting." She moved to open the door.

"I am a detective, Riley." She paused and looked back at him. "I can help you if you need help.

Tears began to shine in her eyes and she leaned across, kissing his cheek then hurried out of the car and into her house.

He sat a moment, wondering just how much he should stick his nose into something that was none of his business - especially as he was retired. The thought bothered him all the way back to the hotel.