Riddle (17 page)

Mandy shrugged, “Okay.” Then cocking her head to one side she asked, “Does that mean you aren’t going to the fair tonight?”

“Hell no. Tony invited me and I agreed to go. In fact I’m going to call him and make sure he’ll pick me up after work.”

Mandy frowned. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. You can ride with me.”

Leaving the ladies room Grace called over her shoulder, “Nope. I’m going with Tony.”

Shaking her head Mandy followed her. “Okay then. But we’ll hang out as a group.”

Grace agreed and went to the hostess stand to start her work day. She didn’t notice the look that passed between Mandy and Jack. Pulling out her phone, she quickly texted Tony asking that he pick her up at six after her shift at the diner ended. She hesitated a moment before hitting send, then sent it with a firm press of the button. “There,” she muttered before putting her phone back in her pocket.

Chapter 29

Kort sped down the road, trees flashing past him in a blur. Before long he had left the town and was driving along the river road. Finally reaching a pull off, he drove to the side of the road and turned off the engine. Listening to the click of the cooling engine he took several deep breaths. He couldn’t figure out why he had lost his temper. The past several years had taught him how important it was to maintain control of himself and to think before he spoke. Yet he had blasted Grace for no reason he could fathom. Inhaling deeply he let the fresh scent of the mountain air fill his lungs. Birds were twittering and chirping in the trees but the sounds were broken by the buzzing of his phone. Seeing Norma’s name he answered.

“Kort?” Her voice was soft and uncertain.

“Hi Norma. How are you?” He closed his eyes and wondered what the hell he was doing.

“I’m a little confused. Have you been avoiding me?” Her voice grew a little stronger.

Kort thought about that question before answering truthfully. “Yes. I have. I had a lot to think about.”

Norma’s voice grew husky. “I hope some of those thoughts were about me.”

Without thinking Kort asked, “Would you like to meet me at the fair tonight?” As soon as the words left his lips he wanted to kick himself.

Surprised at his change in attitude Norma immediately accepted. “What time and where?”

“I guess around six thirty at the main entrance.” He couldn’t believe he had put himself into the position of facing Norma again.

“Mmm, maybe afterward we can come back to my place for some wine.” Norma’s heart was pounding. She thought she would have to work harder to get him back but he obviously realized how deep his feelings for her ran.

“Oh, no wine! I think I’ll stay away from that for a while. I have to go now and run some errands.” He was desperate to get off the phone. He had backed himself into a corner on the spur of the moment and he didn’t want to complicate things even further.

“Okay baby. I’ll see you at six thirty tonight.” She considered blowing him a kiss but decided not to push things. She was ahead of the game now and didn’t want to lose her lead.

Disconnecting the call Kort leaned his head on the steering wheel. “Stupid. I am stupid.” He knew there was no way he could back out now. Examining his actions he tried to understand what had motivated him to behave the way he had. What had triggered his outburst? Was it just because he felt so many people had let him down? As he went over the events that led to the blow up he finally realized when his mood had changed. When Grace had told him she didn’t plan to be in Riddle for the rest of her life. This was just a rest stop for her. In a few weeks she would pack up and move on. Instead of dealing with that he had lashed out like a petulant teen-aged boy. “Great job Kort,” he told himself. Now he was stuck going to the fair with Norma and Grace would probably never speak to him again. “Fuck it.”

He punched in her number and listened to the phone ring. Her voicemail picked up on the fourth ring. When it beeped for him to leave a message he simply sat staring out the window. Then he hung up. He made up his mind to be at the diner at six o’clock to pick her up and apologize in person.

Chapter 30

It was a quarter to six when Tony walked into the diner. Grace was at the hostess station and as soon as she saw him she regretted her decision. It was possible this young man was responsible for the murder of a teenage girl years earlier. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind she offered a smile. “You’re a little early. But I’m almost ready. Would you mind driving me to my apartment so I can change clothes quickly before we go?”

“No problem.” He was looking at her intently as though trying to read her mind. “I was surprised to hear from you.”

“Really?” Grace’s smile remained frozen on her face.

Mandy came up beside her, “I see your date is here. Why don’t you head on out and we’ll meet up at the fair.”

Grace shot a look that plainly said she wanted to kill her. “Aren’t you leaving too?”

“Yes but I have my clothes in my car. I’ll just change here.” Mandy smiled sweetly.

Grace saw an escape. “No. Come on up to my place and change there. Then we’ll follow you to the fair.”

Glancing from Grace to Tony, Mandy nodded her head. “Thanks. I hate changing in this little bathroom.” She had received Grace’s message loud and clear. “You go on ahead and I’ll grab my clothes and follow.”

Breathing a sigh of relief Grace smiled at Tony again. “Well, let’s get going”

As she walked down the steps with Tony she noticed Kort’s truck parked in the lot. Her heart skipped a beat. Their eyes met and she nodded briefly as she got into Tony’s car.

Kort stared in disbelief when he saw Grace and Tony come out of the diner. What had he expected? Certainly he didn’t expect her to put herself in possible danger. Neither of them knew if Tony was involved in the murder. She had to be crazy to get into a car with him. Apparently she was still going to the fair. “Maybe I’ll find a chance to talk to her there. If I can get away from Norma and she can get away from Tony. If she wants to get away from Tony. Dammit.” Throwing the truck into gear he headed for the fairgrounds. He didn’t see Mandy exit the diner and get into her car to follow Tony’s car to Grace’s apartment.

Tony drove carefully up the hill to the Timbers. He kept his eyes on the road and never turned to look at Grace. The sun was low in the sky as evening loomed. Grace searched her mind for something to say. “Thank goodness it didn’t rain today.”

Tony didn’t respond. He never even turned his head. Pulling into the apartment complex he found his way to Grace’s building without directions. He parked directly in front of the stairs that led up to her apartment then turned to smile at her. “I can wait in the car while you change. It will be less awkward.”

Grace had not expected that and had been trying to think of a way to make it happen. However now that he had offered to wait in the car she felt uncomfortable accepting. Perhaps that was his plan. “Well, I hate to have you wait down here. I can go pretty quickly, but Mandy will be here shortly.” As the words left her lips Mandy pulled in next to them. “There she is now. So why don’t you come on up.”

Tony did not reply but he turned off the engine and got out of the car. Grace got out just as Mandy did and they looked at one another trying to read the others thoughts. Wordlessly the three of them mounted the steps to Grace’s apartment. Once inside Grace smiled brightly at the two of them. “Do either of you want something to drink?”

              “No thank you,” Tony responded not moving from his spot at the front door.

              “Have a seat while Mandy and I change.” Nodding at Mandy the two women went into Grace’s bedroom closing the door behind them. Moving away from the door Mandy pulled Grace with her.

“I can’t believe you are really going with him. Do you see how weird he is?”

“Shh. He’s just shy. It will be fine. You’ll be there too. And who else is coming?”

Rolling her eyes in exasperation Mandy told her about several of her friends who were meeting up there as well. “You better stick with us Grace. He creeps me out.”

Agreeing to stay near Mandy and her group, Grace grabbed her jeans and a sweatshirt and hurriedly changed clothes.  When they came out of the bedroom Tony was standing at the window looking down toward the parking lot. He turned as they entered the room. “You have a sheriff’s car parked outside.”

“Hey there was one parked out there last night too,” Mandy went to stand beside him at the window. “Maybe he lives here.”

“The lights are off. I can’t tell if anyone is in the car. Most likely you’re correct.” Tony looked over at Grace. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. Let’s go.” Grace slipped into her jacket. She locked the door and they headed down the stairs. As they walked toward their cars Grace glanced back at the Sheriff’s car but she couldn’t see if anyone was inside. Mandy got into her car and called out to her, “Let’s meet by the main entrance.”

Grace looked toward Tony who merely nodded as he got into the car. She got into the passenger seat and asked him if he was sure he wanted to go. “You seem a little off tonight.”

He waited a moment before he responded. “I’m a little confused. You seemed hesitant to go. Then you changed your mind. You wanted to ride with your friends. Then you texted me and asked me to pick you up and said you want to ride with me.” He turned to look her full in the face. “I think you might see why I’m puzzled.”

Grace felt her face get hot. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to confuse you. I guess I was confused myself.”

He continued to look at her as if waiting for her to say more. When she didn’t, he turned and started the car. “I’m glad you called. I feel like I can talk to you. I don’t get that with many people.”

Grace didn’t know what to say. This might be a chance to find out if he had any additional information on Desiree’s murder. “I’m glad you feel that way,” she said softly.

They rode in silence past the main part of town and out what seemed to be a country road. Grace briefly wondered if they were really headed toward the fair or if he was taking her someplace to kill her. Soon the bright lights of the fairgrounds blazed in the distance and she breathed a sigh of relief. She could see a Ferris wheel and numerous other rides, and lights flashing. Soon she could hear bells ringing and loud carnival music playing. The parking area was already crowded and attendants were directing cars where to park. Getting out of the car Grace looked around for Mandy but didn’t see her anywhere.

“She said she’d meet us at the entrance,” Tony said trying to reassure her. Taking her arm, he guided her through crowds of teens and parents with small children. A police car was parked near the entrance, an officer leaning against the hood and watching as the crowds passed him. Grace noticed his head turn as he followed their progress to the gate. Something about him was familiar but she couldn’t place him. As they drew near the entrance Grace saw Mandy standing on line with several other people. As they approached Mandy’s eyes widened and when they got closer Grace could see why. Standing with them was Kort and his friend Norma. Grace swallowed hard. She felt Tony tense at her side.

“Hi,” Kort said softly.

“Hello,” she responded. She turned to Mandy, “It’s crowded.”

“It is always is,” Mandy conceded. “It’s the biggest thing that happens here.”

Norma slipped her arm through Kort’s and smiled brightly at Grace. “Hi, I’m Norma.” She extended her hand. “We met at the diner where you work.”

Grace took her hand and managed a weak smile. “I remember.”

The line began to move forward and they all moved with it. Mandy introduced Grace and Tony to the two other women that were with them but Grace barely heard their names. She couldn’t stop watching Norma clinging to Kort, occasionally whispering in his ear, and giggling. It began to annoy her and she tried to look away but like passing a train wreck, she couldn’t stop staring. Once they were inside Norma drew Kort away waving at their group. “See you all later.”  Kort looked at her and something in Grace’s face caught his attention.

“Why don’t we all stay together,” he suggested.

There was no mistaking Norma’s annoyance but she didn’t argue. Soon they were all walking around, going on rides, and eating food only available at a fair.

“Look, there’s a fun house,” Norma pointed out. Knowing it would be dark and probably crowded inside it she realized it might be a good opportunity to ditch the rest of the group and once again have Kort to herself.

Grace hesitated. Mandy laughing, called over her shoulder, “Come on! It will be fun!”

As they all headed inside Kort maneuvered until he and Norma were near Grace. They made their way through a rolling barrel, and a maze of mirrors where everyone posed seeing their reflections as fat and skinny, short, and stretched. Tony stayed close to Grace but Mandy and the other women rushed ahead. Then they entered a room that was totally dark except for a dim glow in the dark wall decorations. Occasionally something would brush across Grace’s face and she lost track of where everyone was. She brushed at the spidery web like strings that seemed to grab at her. Holding her hands out before her she tried to find a wall so she could follow it to the exit. All around her people were laughing or squealing. Once in a while a girl would yelp obviously startled by someone. A body moved quickly past her and she jumped slightly to one side. Someone else bumped into her and a giggling female voice apologized before continuing on. Feeling disoriented, Grace was tempted to call out for help but didn’t want to appear silly. Suddenly someone slammed hard into her knocking her off her feet. A boot connected with her cheek and she fell sideways covering her head with her arms and rolled to one side. There was no apology and Grace sensed whoever it was continued to look for her. She had no doubt it was deliberate and she kept quiet hoping he would not find her in the blackness of the room. As noiselessly as she could she began to crawl toward what she hoped would be an exit. Then out of nowhere she heard a male voice softly call her name.

Relief flooded her. “Here. Over here.”

Two strong arms lifted her to her feet and she held tightly to him. “Are you okay?”

              It was Kort. “Oh thank goodness. Someone knocked me down.”
          “It’s okay. I’ve got you. Just some dumb kids.” He slid his arm around her shoulders and began guiding her toward the exit.

“No. It was on purpose. He knocked me down and then kicked me. It was no accident.” She was trembling.

Kort stopped under the light of the exit sign. Even in the dim light he could see her cheek was red and would probably bruise. He touched her face gently. She was looking up at him and suddenly the world seemed to stop spinning. He moved toward her slowly and she bent her head, lips slightly parted. In the darkness her lips looked pink and moist. Then their lips touched and it was as though a bolt of electricity shot through her. Her arms went around his neck and he pulled her tightly against his body. The sweet taste of her mouth only increased his hunger and his hands slid up to tangle in her hair. She felt the hardness of his body pressed against her and her body turned to liquid. Just then another group of laughing kids moved in their direction and their mouths parted. Kort’s breath was coming fast and he didn’t release her body. She could feel the strength of his hands at the back of her head and the growing firmness of his pelvis pressed against her.

Norma’s voice called out as she searched for him in the darkness. He didn’t answer her but whispered to Grace. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home so you can put ice on your cheek.” He felt as much as saw her nod her agreement. They emerged into the bright lights of the fairway. Tony was leaning against the exit gate staring directly at them as though he knew they were about to come out. His face was expressionless.

When they reached his side he looked from the red mark on Grace’s cheek to her eyes then he turned to Kort. “What happened?” His tone was accusing.

Before Kort could respond Grace answered. “Someone bumped into me and I fell.”

Tony’s eyes remained on Kort’s face, “And you happened to find her in the dark?”

Kort bristled. “What are you implying?” His temper was already short and Tony was pressing his buttons.

Grace felt the tension between the two men growing and looked from one to the other trying to figure out how she could diffuse the situation. Mandy and her friends had already exited and were standing at a near-by concession stand. Then Norma came out obviously looking for Kort and she hurried to join him. As soon as she saw Kort’s arm around Grace she gritted her teeth.

“What’s going on?” she laid her hand on Kort’s arm possessively.

Suddenly the lights, the noise, and the odors of food seemed overwhelming and Grace closed her eyes, swaying slightly. Kort’s arm tightened around her. “Someone knocked her down.”

              “Yes, someone knocked her down,” Tony repeated, emphasizing the word someone and looking directly at Kort.

              Kort started to respond but he could feel Grace tremble. “I need to get her home.”

              Norma’s eyes widened. “I’m sure Tony will take her home.”

              Tony said nothing, continuing to stare at Kort.

              Grace opened her eyes and said shakily, “Please, I need to sit down. I feel sick.”

              “Let’s go.” Kort began to guide her to the parking lot, but she stopped to apologize to Tony. “I’m so sorry I spoiled the evening.”