In Search of Jack Grey, pt. 3
tpc006
Calculator Watch
Six years ago Sony Corp. improved the calculator watch and cell phone by combining them with a mini TV to make the vidPhone watch. Bill dials Stanley’s number.
“Stanley?”
“Yeah?”
“What’re ya doin’?”
“I’m in the park. That girl with the skirt’s back again.”
“Yeah? What color today?”
“Pink.”
“Some guys get all the luck.”
“Stubbed my toe on a four-leaf clover.”
“Listen, Stanley. Someone unexpected came by last night.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah...they searched my place. Two guys. I saw ‘em get into a Nova afterwards. I was on the roof.”
“What’d they look like.”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t tell.”
“Any ideas?”
“Not really. Can we meet?”
“OK.”
“Square Six?”
“Half hour.”
Bill zaps out.
Silhouettes Speak
Mr. Ben looks down on Denise who lays cringing half cat ready to jump, half fetus about to curl into herself. He thinks, but doesn’t say, “Helluva a show you’re givin’.” Denise is looking up at him with wide scared eyes.
She says, “He was home.”
“He wasn’t.”
“I saw him.”
“We were there.”
“But I saw him.”
“We didn’t. We even checked under the bed. Didn’t we, Mr. Jerry?”
“We did,” says Mr. Jerry.
“Mr. Jerry had to bend over to check. He’s not what he used to be. Mr. Jerry’s back’s been barking all day. Why the bum tip Denise?”
“It wasn’t a bum tip. He was there.”
“We’ve already been over this Denise. Should I explain again how Mr. Jerry’s back’s been barkin’?”
“No.”
“Good. You know our job just became difficult. It should have been cake. I like cake. Now it’s not cake.” He sees Denise is getting his point. “You should be at home looking out your window, not giving nudie shows in the park.” Denise’s cheeks flush pink. Her shoulders cringe a shrug more. “Call us when you see him. Don’t even wait to jot down the time.” He looks at Mr. Jerry, “Time to go Mr. Jerry.”
They turn and walk. The park’s reflection blinds Denise as their shadows turn. She squints, and by the time the yellow spots fly away, they’re gone.
Square Six
Square Six is a pizza joint in Hallston Square. Hallston Square is in the center of Edu City. Edu City is the educational center that rose in response to Metro rising across the river. Bill likes this place ‘cause it’s cheap and has good sub sandwiches. Bill ate tuna with black pepper and hot sauce. Bill sits facing the door as Stanley walks in; lifts his chin silently.
Stanley slides in across from Bill. “You’ve gotta get yourself some wheels, man. I’ve been waiting forty-five minutes.”
“Yeah, I know. Public transit’s no good. My fuckin’ bike’s in pieces after that door job.”
“We gotta speed up our time table after last night.”
“Definitely.”
“I gotta be careful where I show my face. In fact I gotta get going. When can you do the analysis?
“Tonight.”
“Six hours?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll find a place to chill ‘til then; meet you at your place.”
“OK.”
“Cool,” Bill gets up and walks out.
The Tub
Sarah lounges in her tub surrounded by bubbles. She leans her head on the side and watches suds drip from her hand. She scoops again and her phone rings; she picks up the receiver from the floor. “Yesssss.”
“We talked to the girl.”
“Umhmmm.”
“She’s convinced he was there. Somehow the kid got out.”
Silent, but listening.
“We sent her home. She’ll sit watch and call us if she sees him.
Silent, but listening.
“We’re gonna try his spots.”
“Mr. Ben.”
“Yeah.”
“Don’t screw up. Find him. Either bring him or what he has. Post-fucking-quick.”
“Consider it done.”
“Wrap it up in the next twelve hours.” Sarah hangs up the receiver; scoops suds and watches them drip back to the water.
(continued in pt.4)