Sassafras, Part 63


Rick

Now at least I knew Hollywood was one of the cops. That narrowed it down a little. Surely there would be a record of someone ending up with a broken arm after a bar fight at Tanner’s over the summer. I wondered if Hollywood was the man in the picture on Jenny's computer. Matt said he had to go back in and start working, so I walked back to my car and left. I thought about going back to my apartment and trying to find out who Hollywood was. Looking back, I should have, but I was in such a hurry to get back to Joan I couldn’t think of anything else.

On the way back to Joan’s I thought about what I should tell her. I didn't like lying to her, but I couldn't tell her what he said. If I told her he said anything she would want to come down and give him the third degree herself, and then he would realize I didn’t really know anything, so I decied to tell her Matt didn't know anything. I hoped she believed me and would stay away from him. Boyd on the other hand, I couldn’t wait to call. Unfortunately, I just got his voicemail. I left a message telling him what Matt said, but I didn’t know when he would get it. Probably not until Monday morning. Damn.

I sat in the driveway of Joan’s house for a couple of minutes, just admiring the view. Joan’s house was covered with snow like a little gingerbread house. The storm made it so dark the streetlights were already on, and everything glowed, even the falling snow. Light shone through the windows, making the little plastic ghosts hanging in the trees shine. Everything looked perfect. And the best part was Joan was in there somewhere, waiting for me. I couldn’t believe how close to perfect my life suddenly seemed. All I had to do was find out who this Hollywood character was, then get Boyd to wrap everything up and cut me loose. As long as I could get Joan to stay away from Matt until then everything would be fine. If I couldn’t, welcome to Hell.

Dinner was ready when Joan answered the door. We sat around fixing our tacos and talking.

“What did Matt say about Jenny?”

“Nothing,” I said. “He barely remembered her being in there that night. He said she had a couple of beers and then just disappeared. He’s not even sure when she left, but he said he didn’t think she was drunk when she left. Sorry. Why don’t I see if I can get a look at the official police file on the accident the next time I’m in the station and see if there’s anything they’re overlooking?”

“That would be great,” Joan agreed. “I was just hoping we would find something out from Matt tonight. Maybe I’ll talk to him next time I see him.”

“No, don’t bother, Joan. He didn’t see anything. She just had a few drinks and then left. Something must have happened to her after she left Tanner’s.” She was like a dog with a bone, not going to let go without a fight. ‘Please, Joan,’ I silently begged, ‘let it go. Don’t get all Nancy Drew on me. Just say Yes, Dear, and drop it like a good girl.'

“Well, maybe he remembers who left right after Jenny, or right before she did.”

That didn’t sound very much like Yes, Dear, to me. Shit. “I already asked him that. I told you, he doesn’t even remember when she left. He doesn’t have any idea who left before or after her. It’s just a dead end.”

“But,” she started arguing.

“Don’t worry. Trust me, we’ll find out what happened. You just need to be patient. I’ll stop at the police station tomorrow on the way home from seeing my parole officer and see what I can find. Just relax. Let me help you.”

“This is all so frustrating. I’m no good at being patient.”

“Well, what are you good at? What hidden talents do you have?”

Joan thought for a minute. “I’m ambidextrous,” she finally announced. “I can write two different things with both hands at the same time. Plus I can read things that are upside down. What can you do?”

“I can speak Italian and French. My grandmother was from Italy. She lived with us until I was about 11. She taught me Italian, and how to juggle. I was so mad when I found out there wasn’t an Italian class in high school, just Spanish or French. What can you do, Bill?”

“I can’t do anything.”

“Sure you can. Everybody can do something.”

”He can read tarot cards,” Joan said. “He’s good, too. He gave me a reading last night that just about convinced me to move back to Sassafras. You should have him give you a reading after dinner.”

I wondered if he was really as good as Joan said. “Oh, no. Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t want a reading.”

“Oh, you’re no fun.”

”That’s okay, Aunt Jo. If he doesn’t want a reading it’s no big deal.”

“Hmm. I smell chicken,” she said.

“I’m not chicken, I just don’t think anybody can see the future.”

“Well, I liked my reading, Bill. I just wish it had come right out and tell me if I should move back here or not. I’m still trying to figure out what the Sun card means. I didn’t see the sun at all today, or any horses, with or without babies.”

“Give it a couple of days. If you don’t figure it out by Tuesday or Wednesday I’ll give you another reading.”