Serialized version
Hi Everyone:
I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
I also encourage you to visit my website: joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,the current short story.
You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
website taking you right to it.
PATH TO A PARDON,
THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,
& PALM BEACH STYLE.
& PALM BEACH STYLE.
These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE
RAPE
Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
Gary’s wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
to Boston to live with her parents.
One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.
Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.
During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his children.
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his children.
P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary promises.
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary promises.
Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
impressed and denies him access to the children.
Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
CHAPTER 30
Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at it in the semidarkness.
Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled toward the bathroom.
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at it in the semidarkness.
Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled toward the bathroom.
Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his mirror image.
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his mirror image.
Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
“Hello.”
He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
sweet-thing.”
“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
out of bed. Where are you?”
“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
“You are?
What are you doing out there?”
“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
you?”
“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”
He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if you think it might be right for a three person office.”
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if you think it might be right for a three person office.”
“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in more dough.”
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in more dough.”
“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
“Check.”
“Have you heard about Miguel?”
“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
“Jim you didn’t . . .”
in a coma.”
“Jim you didn’t . . .”
“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
guy that’s all, honest.”
“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”
“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading back.”
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading back.”
“Will you be
home tonight?”
“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he called, “It’s me,
Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he called, “It’s me,
Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
oranges from Florida.”
“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your lovely porch
where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I have something to show you.”
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your lovely porch
where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I have something to show you.”
“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him holding it.
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him holding it.
Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the fruit does look
good, Gracias. Why don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit and swing.”
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the fruit does look
good, Gracias. Why don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit and swing.”
He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends.
We both live in Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends.
We both live in Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you are a good man.”
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you are a good man.”
Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep
the card. If you or Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out Miguel’s G.E. recorder
and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it
off and put it back in the pocket of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
the card. If you or Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out Miguel’s G.E. recorder
and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it
off and put it back in the pocket of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
He willed
them not to blink.
Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas Hidalgo.
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas Hidalgo.
“She is
staying with my sister.”
“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette, por favor.”
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette, por favor.”
Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
go before I beat you with this broom.”
He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
patient’s room.
He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell. Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten break,” he said in
a half-whisper before leaving the room.
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell. Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten break,” he said in
a half-whisper before leaving the room.
Serialized version
Hi Everyone:
I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
I also encourage you to visit my website: joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.
the current short story.
You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
PATH TO A PARDON,
THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,
STRATEGY,
& PALM BEACH
STYLE.
STYLE.
These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE
RAPE
Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
CHAPTER 30
Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
“You are?
What are you doing out there?”
What are you doing out there?”
“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”
still on, why do you ask?”
He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
“Check.”
“Have you heard about Miguel?”
“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
“Jim you
didn’t . . .”
didn’t . . .”
“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”
it just seemed so coincidental.”
“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
“Will you be
home tonight?”
home tonight?”
“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
He willed
them not to blink.
them not to blink.
Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
“She is
staying with my sister.”
staying with my sister.”
“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
Serialized version
Hi Everyone:
I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
I also encourage you to visit my website: joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.
the current short story.
You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
PATH TO A PARDON,
THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,
STRATEGY,
& PALM BEACH
STYLE.
STYLE.
These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE
RAPE
Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
CHAPTER 30
Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
“You are?
What are you doing out there?”
What are you doing out there?”
“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”
still on, why do you ask?”
He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
“Check.”
“Have you heard about Miguel?”
“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
“Jim you
didn’t . . .”
didn’t . . .”
“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”
it just seemed so coincidental.”
“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
“Will you be
home tonight?”
home tonight?”
“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
He willed
them not to blink.
them not to blink.
Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
“She is
staying with my sister.”
staying with my sister.”
“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
Serialized version
Hi Everyone:
I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
I also encourage you to visit my website: joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.
the current short story.
You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
PATH TO A PARDON,
THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,
STRATEGY,
& PALM BEACH
STYLE.
STYLE.
These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE
RAPE
Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
CHAPTER 30
Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
“You are?
What are you doing out there?”
What are you doing out there?”
“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”
still on, why do you ask?”
He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
“Check.”
“Have you heard about Miguel?”
“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
“Jim you
didn’t . . .”
didn’t . . .”
“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”
it just seemed so coincidental.”
“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
“Will you be
home tonight?”
home tonight?”
“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
He willed
them not to blink.
them not to blink.
Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
“She is
staying with my sister.”
staying with my sister.”
“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
Serialized version
Hi Everyone:
I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
I also encourage you to visit my website: joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.
the current short story.
You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
PATH TO A PARDON,
THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,
STRATEGY,
& PALM BEACH
STYLE.
STYLE.
These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE
RAPE
Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
CHAPTER 30
Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
“You are?
What are you doing out there?”
What are you doing out there?”
“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”
still on, why do you ask?”
He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
“Check.”
“Have you heard about Miguel?”
“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
“Jim you
didn’t . . .”
didn’t . . .”
“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”
it just seemed so coincidental.”
“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
“Will you be
home tonight?”
home tonight?”
“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
He willed
them not to blink.
them not to blink.
Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
“She is
staying with my sister.”
staying with my sister.”
“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
Serialized version
Hi Everyone:
I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.
I also encourage you to visit my website: joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.
the current short story.
You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.
PATH TO A PARDON,
THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,
STRATEGY,
& PALM BEACH
STYLE.
STYLE.
These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.
As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:
PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE
RAPE
Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.
Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.
Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.
Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.
Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.
A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.
One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.
Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.
Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.
Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.
Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.
During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.
Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.
Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.
P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.
As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.
Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.
Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.
Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.
Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.
P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.
Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.
CHAPTER 30
Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.
Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.
Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.
Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.
Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”
He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”
“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”
“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”
“You are?
What are you doing out there?”
What are you doing out there?”
“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”
“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”
still on, why do you ask?”
He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”
“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”
“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”
“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”
“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been
thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”
“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”
“Check.”
“Have you heard about Miguel?”
“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”
“Jim you
didn’t . . .”
didn’t . . .”
“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”
“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”
it just seemed so coincidental.”
“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”
“Will you be
home tonight?”
home tonight?”
“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.
Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”
“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”
“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”
“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”
He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”
“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”
“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”
She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”
He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.
Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”
“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”
He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”
Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”
Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”
She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.
“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”
He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.
He willed
them not to blink.
them not to blink.
Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”
She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.
“She is
staying with my sister.”
staying with my sister.”
“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”
The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”
Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.
She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”
He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.
Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.
He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.
