Little Red House

Chapter 9 - Detective Madison

Chapter Nine

The next day at work I half expected Ricky to be gone but found him replacing an empty box of Hershey's with a new one. He barely gave me a glance when I said 'hello'. I didn't blame him. I had caught him in an awkward situation yesterday. Dropping my stuff in the back room I noticed that the place was cleaned out. The sofas were moved in a 'L' position and the huge desk was clear except for utensils. All the records and sign in sheets were neatly stacked in the drawers. The shelves were filled with books and files that used to be in various corners of the room. The old wooden table in the far corner was whipped of all dust and two chairs stood at either side. Where did the chairs come from? I stared at the place with shock. I turned around to face Ricky who was assisting a female customer. I waited patiently as the customer left.

"You cleaned out the back room," It sounded more like a statement than a question. Ricky finally looked up at me and offered a half smile.

"I couldn't sleep."

"So?"

"So I decided to make the use of it and tidy up. We were going to do it eventually."

"Eventually," I echoed.

"Look," Ricky sighed, "About yesterday... I'm sorry I didn't call. I was with Vanessa, okay? We didn't know to tell you, I didn't know how you would take it."

"Take what?"

Ricky took in a deep breath and stared at the counter,

"Vanessa and I are seeing each other, as in dating." Did he know who Vanessa really was? Did he know that she was a liar, a fake? I searched his eyes but they were clear of all emotion. Was Ricky lying to me?

"Are you saying the truth?" Pain stretched across his features.

"Of course, Emma."

"How did you meet, uh Vanessa?"

"At Walmart," he smiled,"I was coming in with Starbucks in my hand and crashed right into her." He laughed and shook her head, "She was walking out at the end of her shift and there she was all beautiful with Starbucks coffee spilled on her shirt. I offered to take her home as an apology so she called her friend to cancel the ride. And the rest was a dream." His eyes dove into a dreamy look of delight. I made a face, wrinkling my nose.

"Okay, whatever."

Ricky snapped out of his faze, "Are you mad? I'm sorry I didn't tell your earlier. I didn't know how you'll react."

"Hey, it's fine," I assured him. I decided to leave the rest of the questioning  for another time. He looked so relieved from my words. I smiled and punch him in the shoulder.

"Next time tell me, okay? You got me worried," I grinned. He rubbed his shoulder a twinkle in his eyes.

"Sure thing, mother." He winked.

Since everything was sorted out and we were on good terms, why bother asking him about the package, or the reason of Vanessa's cut? Or if he knew that she was really Erica. It would only ruin the atmosphere. 

I received a phone call from Colin as I drove to the Royal Theater after I bought McDonald's. Ricky and I had planned to have lunch on the roof, he promised he would come. I accepted the call,

"Colin?"

"Hey, Emma. Remember Detective Madison? Well, I tracked her down  and she agreed to met with me at the Cafe on Anderson Street."

"Really? Just like that?"

"I mentioned Erica Grimston and she agreed right away. She said it was too dangerous to talk on the phone."