Читать книгу Rita Royale 2 (The Beach House) - Terry JD Anderson - Страница 11

Rita awoke early, showered and made coffee for the guard out front and the one now dressing in the den. She would be watching over Alex, who had decided he was well enough to paint a man’s business today, much to Rita’s amazement and reluctance.

She rode the motorcycle into Sidney, parked behind her office, entered inside, chatted briefly with a Badger Trooper named Patsy, who was monitoring the bugging of the Army headquarters.

Rita stared out the large window at the calm ocean, daydreaming, the sunlight a million tiny sparkles on the smooth green surface. She heard a soft knock on the back door. Rita returned to the moment, walked to the rear entrance and opened the door. Rafa entered quietly, a nervous look on her pretty olive skinned face. She was dressed like a westerner. Tight jeans, sleeveless blouse. Large straw handbag.

The major smiled. “Thanks for coming, Rafa. Would you like a coffee?”

She glanced all around her, shook her head. “No, thank you, Major.”

“The Army man will be here shortly.” Rita led her into her office just a few steps away. “You can keep this door mostly closed and peek through. He won’t see you as I’ll be blocking his view.”

“Yes, Major.” She studied the other young woman in the office, her black uniform, pistol in a shoulder holster.

Dixie and Cathy soon entered, peeked into Rita’s office then sat at their desks. Rita left Rafa in her office with Patsy, just as a large man knocked on the front door.

Rita said, “Let the Lieutenant in, Dixie.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

She buzzed the Army man inside. Rita thought he was huge. At least six four and well over two hundred pounds. She’d never actually met the man before.

“Hello Lieutenant.”

He looked at her, at the other two lieutenants. “Hello Major.” He got right to the point. “What did you want to see me about?”

“You are aware that I am now in charge of this investigation, including the incident at the school?”

He looked her up and down carefully. “So I heard, Major.”

“What have you discovered so far? Bring me up to date, Lieutenant.”

He smiled a little. “That’s easy. We’ve discovered nothing so far.”

Rita squinted. “Why not?”

“We have no leads.”

“I see.” She studied him like a poker opponent. “Is it that you are incompetent, Lieutenant?”

He glared at her. Thought her a right bitch. “No leads, Major.”

She smiled. “Well then, I guess we have nothing more to discuss. Except one thing. Badger Troop is now handling things. Stay out of the way, Lieutenant, and we’ll get along fine.”

“Anything else, Major?”

“That’s all.”

He continued to glare. “You’re not making many friends here, Major.”

She just looked at him. “A threat, Lieutenant?”

“Just an observation, Major. Have a safe day.” He turned and left the office.

Rita smiled at Dixie and Cathy, walked into her office and looked at Rafa. “Was he the man you saw with your husband?”

She nodded. “That was him. A big man.”

“Thank you, Rafa. My offer of help still stands. Call me if you need to.”

She smiled, unsure why this short haired western woman would want to help her. “If I need to I will, Major. Thank you. I’m leaving Sidney as soon as I leave this office.”

“With a business man?”

Rafa narrowed her eyes, smiled. “You want to know his name, don’t you?”

The major shrugged. “As long as you trust him, I don’t need to know his name.”

“His name is Kayle. I’ve known him since I was a young girl. He was never fond of my husband. Yes, I trust him.”

Rita wrapped her arms around Rafa, gave her a quick hug. Stepped back a step and smiled. Looked her up and down. “Good luck to you.”

Rita closed the door after Rafa had left the office, she looked at the trooper. “Things should start moving now.”

Dixie bought coffee for the women, while they waited patiently for something from headquarters. They didn’t wait all that long.

Patsy looked out the open office door, her headphones on. “Major, you need to hear this.”

Rita looked toward her office, walked inside quickly.

Patsy said, “I’ll replay the colonel’s phone conversation with another man.”

Rita nodded.

A male voice spoke. “Yes?”

“Its me. I told you to get that damn Major out of the way. You disappoint me, Kayle. You fucked up. Don’t fuck up again or you’ll be the one who goes down.”

An audible breath. “She’s smarter than you give her credit for.”

“She’s a dyke bitch and I want her dead. Is that understood? And I want it to hurt.”

“I have lost five men already to the one you call a dyke bitch. What is the expression I’m searching for? Oh yes, now I recall. Go to hell, Colonel. You want her? You take her out. I see no future in this relationship. Only grief. I owe you nothing more.”

“You forget who you’re talking to. Nobody quits me. You’ll end up like the sergeant if you fuck with me. Now you get that bitch for Allah. And don’t fuck it up again.”

“For Allah is it?” He laughed. “You tiny little man. A tiny little man who knows nothing. Your threats are meaningless. I have become rather fond of this major. At least she is a person worthy of respect. Unlike yourself.”

“You listen to me, you fuck. You owe me.”

“We’re even. Watch your balls, Colonel. Or the one you call a dyke bitch will shoot them off. And don’t ever call me again.” The line went dead.

Rita looked at the trooper. Thought about the name Kayle. “I don’t know the other man’s voice. Sounds like the colonel converted to Islam.”

“It could be Kayle the Butcher. That’s a name on our wanted list.”

“Muslim?”

“Uncertain, Major.”

“What’s he wanted for?”

“Attempted murder on you for one thing. I’ll see what else I can find out, Ma’am.”

“Do you know where he was talking from?”

“No, Ma’am. He’s blocked his line. I might be able to find out, but it could take some time.”

“Okay, get on it; see what you can come up with.”

“Yes, Major.”

Rita walked into the outer office wondering if this could possibly be the same Kayle that Rafa mentioned. “Either of you know a man named Kayle? Aka, the ‘butcher’.

Dixie and Cathy both shook their heads.

“I’m still not sure whether the colonel is the ring leader or is taking orders from someone else. Mamoud maybe. We’ll just let him alone for now. Maybe something else will pop out of his mouth.”

Dixie asked, “What about Lieutenant Sweet? He sure didn’t look very happy.”

“Maybe he’ll call the colonel on his phone or talk to him in his office. Either way we’ll know what they talk about.”

Rita looked at her watch. Picked up her cell phone and called Alex.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Picasso. How’s it going?”

“He has a big building, but he only wants the front painted.”

“Painted how?”

“Fish. He likes fish.”

“You know how to paint fish?”

“I’ll put bikinis on them.”

Rita laughed out loud. “Is the sergeant with you?”

“She’s sitting in my truck watching me.”

“Good. How’s your chest?”

“Its okay. A little sore. I should be finished this job by the end of the day.”

“Then off to the dress shop tomorrow?”

“I’ll tell Dianne you like her.”

“Don’t you dare tell her that.”

“I’m only kidding, Rita.”

“Don’t over do it. Take it slow today.”

“Yes, Ma’am, I will.”

“I’ll call later.”

Rita closed the connection.

The trooper opened the door. “I have another call. Its the lieutenant talking to the colonel.”

Rita walked inside. The trooper replayed the conversation.

“I’m back.”

“What did she want?”

“She told me I’m off the investigation.”

“That bitch could have done that over the phone.”

“I guess so. Anyway, now what, Colonel?”

“Kayle quit. You’ll have to get her.”

“For what purpose?”

“For business, you idiot. She’s bad for business. You like the cut you get, don’t you?”

“I do, but I don’t want to kill her. I’m not a murderer.”

A pause. “How much more do you want?”

“Why don’t you get your buddy Mamoud to do it?”

“Forget him, this is our problem.”

“He’d probably do the bitch for the fun of it.”

“Never mind him. There’s a boat coming in tonight. You be there. And make damn sure there’s no Badger fucks there either.”

“And how do I do that, Colonel?”

“You figure it out.”

“And the major?”

“I’ll take care of her myself.”

“She’ll shoot your ass off, Colonel. With all due respect. And now she has a squad backing her up.”

“Even she won’t survive a bomb.”

“Okay, Colonel. Its your ass, but I want no part of this. I’ll be at the boat tonight, but nothing more.”

“You disappoint me. Never mind. I’ll be waiting at the usual place.”

“I’ll be there.”

The connection ended. Rita raised her eyebrows. “So, Mamoud is involved.”

“That colonel sounded serious, Major.”

“Yes, I know. He’s either going to plant a bomb here or at my house. He’ll get someone to do it for him; I doubt he’ll do it himself. Maybe we’ll learn more as the day goes on, but I suspect he’s buying the drugs from Mamoud. The lieutenant and the dead sergeant are just the mules. He hired Zamani to come after me the first time. Hired Kayle’s men the next time.”

Trooper Patsy asked, “Are we going to arrest the lieutenant tonight after he picks up the drugs?”

“Can you video him tonight?”

“Yes, Ma’am. We have some equipment.”

“I’m assuming the boat will be docking at the pier. Dress in civilian clothes. The lieutenant doesn’t know you. You could film him receiving the bags from the boat.”

“I can do it, Major. Do you want me to tail the LT and arrest both him and the colonel?”

“You need some sleep.”

“My replacement will be here soon. I can sleep for a few hours and be ready for tonight.”

Rita thought about this. “If we do arrest them, we might be able to squeeze the colonel hard. I want Mamoud and the colonel probably knows where he is. Then again, maybe we should just wait until we know Mamoud’s whereabouts for sure. We can always get the colonel later, if we get everything on video first.”

“That means the drugs will hit the streets.”

“I know. But if we arrest the colonel, we may never find Mamoud if he doesn’t tell us where he is. Keep monitoring them. I need to think on this. Is Captain Yates coming here this morning?”

“Yes, Ma’am. She should be here soon.”

“Call the Captain. Tell her to put a tail on the colonel. I want to know where he goes and who he sees. And try to find out who this Kayle guy is.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Rita walked into the outer office, looked at Cathy and Dixie. “I’m going for a walk. I need to think.”

Dixie smiled. “Want me to go with you?”

“That’s okay, Dixie. I think better alone.”

Rita walked out of the office, looked up and down the street, at the roof tops. She didn’t sense anyone watching her. She walked up the sidewalk staying in the shadows, her eyes constantly scanning around her. A few minutes later she came upon a dress shop. Dianne’s Dress Shop. She walked past slowly, glanced at some mannequins wearing dresses in the window, decided not to go inside, though she was tempted, but she had no time for anything like this right now. She walked away.

She’d only gone a few paces when a voice called her name. Rita turned, saw Dianne smiling.

“Hi Dianne.”

“In the market for a dress, Rita?”

“I’m just walking. I think better when I walk.”

“I have some fresh coffee if you’d like a cup.”

She looked at the slender pretty woman in another nice dress. “Okay, a cup of coffee sounds good.”

Rita glanced around the small shop, spotted several dresses she liked. She watched Dianne walk toward her, a cup in each hand.

“See anything you like, Rita?”

Rita accepted the coffee. “Yes, you have some very nice clothes here.”

“Thanks. I made them all myself.”

“Really? You have a talent.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Rita sipped her coffee, pointed. “I like the blue one there.”

“You’d look great in that color dress. And you have the figure for it.”

Rita smiled, looked at her closely, she looked about mid thirties perhaps. “I have little time to think about dresses right now.”

Dianne glanced at her black uniform, gun. “Work keeps you busy?”

“Right now it does.”

“All work and no play?”

“I lost my wife a few months back; I’m not ready for play yet.”

“Sorry.” Dianne glanced at her uniform. “What rank are you? I don’t know anything about the military.”

“I’m a major in a special forces unit called Badger Troop.”

“A major? Sounds important. You must be good.”

Rita smiled. “I guess I’m okay.”

“Are you are the mother of the young artist?”

“I’m his guardian.”

“I see. He seems like a nice kid.”

“He’s been looking at sailboats. He’s busy painting another business this morning. I’m sure he’ll visit you tomorrow.”

“I look forward to seeing what he paints on the front.”

“He likes women wearing bikinis.”

“I saw that at Nicki’s place. Big breasted women like you.”

Rita smiled. “I guess so.”

“Perhaps we could have dinner sometime. Get to know each other better.”

“I’m pretty busy.”

“Say, Friday at seven? Then go to the party together after.”

“An attractive woman such as yourself must surely know other women you could ask to the party.”

“I’m asking you, Rita.”

Rita’s cell phone rang. She stared at Dianne, reached into her pocket. “Major Royale.”

“Rita. How’s it going?”

“Very well, General. We may be getting somewhere.”

“Good. Is Mamoud involved in this?”

“Not the attacks on my home. The colonel used Zamani and a man named Kayle for that.”

“The butcher?”

“I don’t think he will be bothering me anymore.”

“How do you know that?”

“Something we heard.”

“At the Army base?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Is someone near you that you can’t talk right now?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Call me later. I’m in Ottawa at my office.”

“I will, General.”

Rita closed her phone, looked at Dianne. “I should go. Thanks for the coffee.”

“You’re welcome, Rita. Call me, okay?”

Rita put her cup on the counter; felt a strong urge to kiss her on the mouth. “I’ll try.”

“I look forward to it. And to talking with your son tomorrow.”

Dianne moved close, stood on her tip toes and kissed Rita on the lips. Rita kissed her back for a few seconds, then drew away. Suddenly pulled Dianne close and kissed her deeply for several seconds, her body touching, tingling, the neglected part of her rising to the surface. She broke off the kiss.

Dianne stared at her. “Wow.”

Rita smiled. “Sorry I did that.”

“I’m not.”

“I really have to go now.”

Dianne wrapped her arms around Rita’s waist, kissed her again. A long deep kiss.

Rita eased away from her. Held her at arm’s length. “We have to stop this, right now.”

“Why?”

“I have work to do.”

“Can’t it wait for a couple hours? You might enjoy yourself.”

Rita backed away. “I’m sure I would. I’ll call you.”

Dianne smiled. “You have to promise, Rita.”

She looked the attractive woman up and down quickly. Forced herself to turn around and walk away. “I promise I’ll call.”

Rita walked out of the store, ran down the sidewalk extremely aroused, the kiss still alive on her lips. She spotted a bench in the shadows, sat down and composed herself, then called the general. Explained everything she knew so far. General Arnold was angry when he heard everything. He wanted Rita to arrest both the colonel and the lieutenant this evening. He was sending a man to interrogate both of them. He’d get the truth. His man very good at getting information from people. Rita wasn’t so sure. She told the general if Mamoud got wind that the colonel was arrested he would disappear again. After a back and forth, the general decided to do it Rita’s way. They would wait a while longer and see where it led.

Rita walked into the office, smiled at Dixie and Cathy.

Dixie said, “Your cheeks are red, Major.”

“Are they?”

Cathy agreed. “You’re glowing, Major.”

“Glowing? Must be the sun.”

Cathy looked at her. Said nothing. Rita walked into her office. A different trooper was now manning the listening devices.

“Hi Major. I found where Kayle was talking from.”

“Where?”

“Victoria. I don’t know where in Victoria though. I do have the cell number.”

“Well, at least we know he’s close. Anything else on this Kayle?”

“Its conflicted. Some of his alleged activities don’t add up. I found two instances where he would have had to be in two places at once.”

“What kind of activities?”

“He’s wanted for questioning in two murders. He couldn’t have done that. The times don’t add up. Another instance of bringing in illegal entries. Again, sketchy. His whole file is vague and sketchy. He’s only wanted for questioning at the moment.”

“Is there a photo of him?”

The trooper picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Rita. “This is supposedly Kayle, but it doesn’t show much of his face.”

Rita studied the grainy image of a tall looking slender man in a light colored suit. His hair slicked back. Dark glasses. Sharp features. She thought he looked like a mobster in his early forties perhaps. This wasn’t a very good picture. She placed it on the desk.

“Good work, Trooper. We’ll just sit on this for now.”

By the end of the day, Rita was satisfied she’d done all she could for the time being. Captain Yates was tailing the colonel. Patsy, the other trooper, was all set to video the lieutenant tonight. Maybe later tonight or tomorrow the colonel would contact Mamoud. Nothing to do but wait.

Rita rode her motorcycle home, decided to barbecue tonight. Alex was still not home but Rita visited with a trooper named Andrea Forsythe, who was now staying in the house with Sergeant Verity Moore, the other woman watching over Alex. All was quiet on the home front.

Just after six Alex walked into the house splattered with several flavors of paint.

“Hi Rita.”

She grinned. “You’re a mess.”

“I know. I finished though. He even paid me a hundred and fifty dollars.”

“I’m sure you earned every penny too. What are you going to do with all your money?”

“I want to pay you back for buying me all the nice clothes.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t want any money. You save it for a rainy day. Are you going to see Dianne in the morning?”

“I’ll see what she wants me to paint, but I may wait until Wednesday to paint her place. Amanda is off tomorrow. We were going to hang out. Maybe draw stuff.”

“Go have a shower and I’ll put on the burgers and hot dogs. I’ll bet you’re hungry.”

He nodded. “Starved.” He looked at her. “I was thinking today. Thinking about my mother and dad and things like that. Would you mind if I called you my mom?”

Rita was deeply touched. “You have a mom, Picasso.”

“I know, but you’re more of a mom than she ever was.”

Rita’s eyes filled with tears. She touched his face. “Okay, Picasso. You can call me mom.”

He smiled, kissed her cheek and went to clean up. Rita stood in the kitchen, tears streaming down her cheeks. Never in her life had she had this feeling she had now. A mom? She liked it.

About nine o’clock that evening, Trooper Patsy called Rita. She had everything on disk and was certain Lieutenant Sweet hadn’t suspected a thing. She said he carried two heavy looking bags to a van, then drove to an old warehouse. Rita thanked her for a job well done.

At midnight, Captain Yates called Rita. She told Rita the colonel had carried two bags from a warehouse and put them in his car after the lieutenant had dropped them off. The colonel had made two stops, dropping a bag at each stop, then going home to bed. Rita thanked the captain and told her to get some sleep.

Rita stayed awake trying to put the pieces together. She guessed Mamoud sold the drugs to the colonel, who in turn sold them to people in the other two houses, making his profit. He then paid the lieutenant for bringing the drugs from the boat. He had also hired Kayle. But that still didn’t explain who the three guys at the school were. She had heard no mention of them at all. Could it be they were a separate bunch altogether and had nothing to do with the drugs? But what was their motive? And how did the colonel even meet Mamoud in the first place? When did he convert to Islam? Rita finally dozed off after three o’clock.