The Golden Years

As The Ship Sinks

He'd had enough hang-ups and refused calls to know that more than the bloody balloon had gone up. The report of the catastrophe at the Nursewood house was the trigger. Gil Levit would be first tenor centre stage when the police began interrogating, and I, Gavin Ashby, will be toast, he thought.

He ransacked his private safe, stuffing papers and other items into a bag, then paused, as he considered his exposure through Gail as well. He needed to get to her and make a deal for both of them. He had plenty of cash and access to a lot more, once they were away and safe.

"Jim? Can you put me through to Gail's room?" He covered the mouthpiece and listened hard.

"Doesn't seem to be an answer, Gavin. Any message?"

"Damn. No, no message. I'll try again later."

"Everything okay?"

"Huh? Yeah . . . why?"

"You sound worried is all. Take care . . . Gavin." The call ended.

He stood looking at the phone, brow wrinkling. "Oh . . . oh, shit!" He dropped the receiver and stumbled back to the wall, mouth working silently as realization dawned. Recovering, he raced to his bedroom and grabbed the bag, zipping it closed. A frantic scan of the room, he pocketed a few items from his dresser, and then hustled out and through the side door to the garage.

The sight of the State Police SUV made him change his route and he wended his way through small residential areas, heading for the highway. When he came to an intersection, he realized he was only a few blocks from the Palm Sands, and on a whim drove there and parked.

He had an idea that he might sneak in, and hopefully find Gail in her room. At least warn her about what he believed he had learned, even if she didn't want to come with him. The old man carrying an evening newspaper rounded the corner at the same time and they collided.

"Oh, crap! Sorry old timer. They need lights here," Ashby joked.

"If you're plannin' on checkin' in, you're in luck. seems a few guests left. Lady that was there just last night." Hiram studied the man.

"The lady, was it Gail Amitov?"

"You know her?"

"We're acquaintances. Was it her?"

"Yup."

"Thanks." Ashby turned and ran back to his car, shoving it into drive and peeling away down the road.

"Scaring off my business, Hiram?" Jim leaned against the wall, arms folded.

"Don't need me scarin' them at these prices." Hiram wandered back through the pool court to his chair.

******

Eddie watched as Ridley took the clothes he'd carried, and hung them in the front closet. Then she took his bag to her bedroom.

"Whoa, where are you going with that?"

"Well, you aren't staying here on that sofa."

"Riley?"

She came back to him and took his hands. "You'll be perfectly safe, Eddie, we bought a California king when we moved here. It can hold up to five people."

"Still . . . Riley . . ."

He didn't move as she came up on her toes and kissed him. The moment passed, and she stepped back, still holding his hands.

"Riley . . ."

"Shh. I'm not trying to seduce you, Eddie. I'm just- I wanted you to know that all you have done for me has been greatly appreciated--"

"Riley, I know what stress does to people. I've seen it a million times. I just did what came naturally to me, and I--"

She was back on her toes, mouth-to-mouth before he could react, and this time he stopped resisting.

The bed was indeed roomy, and Eddie lay staring at the sloping wooden ceiling. Well, Ellie, here I am. No excuses, and still wearing my wedding band. Have I disappointed you? He turned and looked at Riley who was watching him. It's the first time, sweetheart. Never once when we were together.

"Penny for your thoughts." She said softly.

"Just trying to come to terms with guilt."

She rolled onto her back, one arm over her eyes. "Guilt. Funny, I had a similar feeling. I think Tom would understand - I hope he would anyway."

He gave a small hmph, and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "Maybe Tom and my wife Ellie, are sitting up there somewhere comparing notes. She'd think I did much better in the deal - and she'd laugh." He blinked at the moisture in his eyes.

Riley rolled back toward him and placed a hand on his chest. "She'd be wrong, Eddie." She slid next to him, tucking her head under his chin.

His hand instinctively stroked her hair, and a tear ran down his face. Tough ex-cop Eddie Banks.

******

FBI Agents Kirk and Delgado sat silently, looking at Gil Levit across the metal table. He fidgeted endlessly under their calm gaze, knowing the moment they spoke he would break like dropped egg. Where was Ashby with their so-called mighty lawyers. How come nobody had showed up to bail him out. He wet his lips and closed his eyes.

"We keeping you up, Levit?"

His eyes popped open. "I don't know anything. You can't keep me here."

"No? What do you think, Al?"

Delgado's partner flipped open a notebook and read silently for a minute. "Know a Ray Biggs, Gil?"

"Huh? Ray- no. never heard of him."

"Really? Interesting. What about Connor Anthony?"

"Con- sure. He owns Anthony's Tavern."

"Gavin Ashby?"

Gil's leg started pumping like a race car piston. He licked his lips again and cleared his throat.

"He uh- he's some big wig in the town I hear - I think . . ."

Delgado couldn't keep a straight face and laughed aloud. "Oh, Levit. Give it up, man. You work for Ashby, you take orders from him and Anthony, and you were present when the police found Ray Biggs body."

"No! No, you're wrong--"

"Chief of Police Wendell DeSuza has already given his statement, Gil," Al Kirk closed his book.

Levit felt sick. He had been left out to dry while the rest made their sweet deals. That's why nobody came to help, they were all dumping on him. Well, he wasn't going down holding onto the anchor. No sir!

"I'll tell you everything I know, but I want a deal. No deal, then I want a lawyer."

Delgado pushed a pad and pen across the table. "Let's see what you have to deal with, Gil." His voice was soft but cold.

Gil's expression was bleak as he reluctantly picked up the pen.