Hazards on the Hardwood (Hazards and Hijinks) (13 page)

24

Sometime later, another knock at the door shook her out of her panic. “Who’s there?”

“It’s me Sasha.”

Taffy opened the door cautiously after peeping through the hole.

“Oh Taffy thanks so much for doing this. You don’t know how much it means to us.” She walked in and was followed by Sophie holding baby Zoe. They came with very little baggage; just a foldable crib, backpack and one suitcase.

“We cannot thank you enough,” Sophie said with a thankful look on her face. Baby Zoe gave Taffy a sleepy smile. “What a precious little girl,” Taffy touched Zoe’s face gently and smiled.

“While I was waiting for you someone delivered this note and picture in an envelope. They left it by my door. It scared me something awful! The guy also called me afterwards. I think he wanted to warn us. He doesn’t seem like he’s the one trying to harm your family. Something about the voice sounded vaguely familiar but disguised. It was weird!” Taffy said as she helped put the crib and other belongings in the extra bedroom.

“Also, my poser dance partner, Francois, dashed over, unveiling the envelope as only he could, probably messing up any stake-out plans the cops may have. I sent him home. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have any other ‘knight in shining armor’ delusions. He drives me crazy.”

She composed herself and was grateful to have Sasha, Sophie and “bouncing” baby Zoe as her houseguests.

“Please make yourselves at home. You are considered family now. I will do whatever I can to help you in any way possible; hopefully, keeping you all safe, as well. Are you hungry? I can fix you something to eat. I am too nervous, myself, to eat right now.”

“Just some coffee for me, please.” Sasha answered. “I’ll just have some water.” Sophie said. She was hoping they would be safe in their new environment. “I will need to heat Zoe’s bottle soon if that’s okay.”

“You just do whatever you need to do. This is your home, too. Make yourself comfortable. After the guy hung up, I did call the police. What’s he going to do about that? They are probably outside anyway, keeping a watchful eye.”

“That’s a relief.” Sasha said. She took the cup of coffee in her cold hands and immediately felt the warmth. “This is good! Thanks.”

“The guy on the phone told me to meet him at eleven tonight, alone on the docks. That doesn’t seem very smart to me. He said not to bring anyone else, but I have a strong feeling that the cops will be stationed in the shadows, watching whatever goes down. What do you girls think?” Taffy tried to sound like she was in charge of the situation but inside, she was a bundle of frazzled nerves.

“He couldn’t have tapped your cell phone.” Sasha said as she sipped her coffee. “It’s good you called the cops, no matter what that person demanded. The police will know how to handle him!”

Taffy sat there hoping that she was doing the right thing by meeting this fellow at such a dangerous part of town and at a late time of night. She decided to double check with the cops, just to make sure they were going to be watching out for her.

“Officer Dooley here. Please state the nature of your call.” He sounded very business-like.

“Officer, this is Taffy Torkleson. Is Officer Nelson around? I really need to talk to him.”

“I will check. Could you hold for a moment?” He was off the phone before she could answer him.

There seemed to be a long pause before a live voice came back on the phone, “Officer Nelson here. Ms. Torkelson? We have men stationed at the docks. Whatever threat is there, we will intercept and keep you from harm.”

Officer Nelson continued, “We will phone you as soon as we get the team in place. And in the meantime, be careful. Obviously this guy knows about your comings and goings. By the way, did you recognize his voice?”

“It sounded vaguely familiar but it was as though he was disguising his voice. I don’t think he’s the one trying to harm Sasha’s family.  It’s as if he wanted to intercept someone else’s plan.”

“So it could be someone who knows you?” Officer Nelson seemed to have a slight hesitation in his tone. “I will be calling you shortly. Make sure to keep your door locked and when you leave, if it’s possible, exit through the back. No need to put yourself in any more danger.”

Taffy ended the call and ran over to her front window and looked out. No one seemed to be standing around and there weren’t any suspicious looking vehicles parked along the tree-lined street.

* * * *

Later, closer to eleven, Francois was positioned at his secret surveillance spot waiting to pounce on whoever was threatening his beloved dancing diva!

Francois wasn’t the first on the scene…Officer Nelson was posing as a dock worker lifting heavy cargo onto a flatbed trailer  in a dark corner, wired and waiting. When he saw a suspicious character in the shadows his radar kicked in and he radioed for backup.  A few moments later, he stepped out into the light, drew his pistol and pulled his badge out of his leather jacket pocket.

“Freeze you scumbag! Get on the ground and while you’re at it, what’s your name and what are you doing here sneaking about in the dark?”

Francois froze immediately and shakily answered the policeman, “I, I, uh, I am Francois LaRue, and my friend, Taffy Torkelson, seems to be in a bit of trouble and I wanted to see who was out here threatening her and then I planned on punching his lights out!”

Holding back a snicker, Officer Nelson gained his composure and asked for Francois’ I.D. and shined a flashlight in his eyes. “Have you been drinking sir? Your eyes appear to be a bit bloodshot.”

“Why no, officer. I don’t partake of alcoholic beverages as a rule. Sober as a judge, you might say,” Francois’ attempt at humor fell flat and didn’t work on the officer.

“I have half a mind to haul you in after giving you a sobriety test to see if what you say is true. Do you realize you have just spoiled an undercover operation? What in the world were you thinking? I should write you up for that.” Officer Nelson put on his most stern face and hoped he’d made his point. He was thinking, “What a dork! Noble in his purpose but very stupid in the carrying out of his mission.”

“I’m going to let you go but I want you to know that you might just have caused more trouble for your ‘precious Taffy.’ She and her friends could be in even more danger because of this ridiculous blunder of yours! Now GO HOME!”

Francois didn’t have to be told twice. He left the scene humiliated, taking out his phone and calling a taxi.

Officer Nelson got on his radio and told the dispatcher that everything appeared to be quiet. The person that had threatened Taffy and her friends was a “no show” tonight.

There in the shadows of a rundown tin-roofed building, Fallon Middleton, ready to warn Taffy decided to save it for another time. He had watched Francois’ brush with the local police officer and waiting for the villainess person threatening Taffy, Sasha and Sophie’s lives. But the guy didn’t appear, probably being warned by an accomplice or watching from a close proximity as the scene with the policeman and the other person, play out in front of him.

25

Edward had awakened and was fully conscious, looking around the room, fuzzy on the surroundings. “Where am I?” He asked.  As the fog cleared a little he noticed all the scary devices and machines surrounding his bed.  There was a constant beeping and it was a little unnerving to him in his present condition.

“Edward you’re awake,” Sparky said breathlessly. “You’ve been out for several days.”

“Wha…what happened? I don’t remember anything. What am I doing in this hospital room?” He shot questions at her faster than she could answer.

“The doctors seem to think you were poisoned. The test showed toxins in your system. The cops have been here asking me all sorts of questions about whether or not I bought arsenic and cyanide. It’s as though they suspect me of trying to kill you.”

“That’s ridiculous. You told them you love me with all your heart right? You wouldn’t dare do something that horrible!” Edward’s machines were beeping faster, heart rate escalating.

“Calm down, Edward. You’re getting too excited. The doctors said you need to rest for a while.” Sparky looked around, “Where is Landon?” she asked quietly.

Just then a nurse in a crisp pair of scrubs that were decorated with kittens and puppies entered the room and asked Sparky to leave for a moment. “I’ll be back,” She said to Edward as she turned and exited.

“How long do I have to stay in here?” He asked the nurse. “The doctor should be in shortly and he will discuss everything with you.” She said diplomatically.

She went to the room’s bedside computer, logged in and posted the hourly vitals. She was quiet as she worked, not saying anything more to Edward. She finished entering the data, logged out and darted quickly out the door.

The room smelled like hand sanitizer. It was sterile, white and cold. Edward hated it. “Sparky! I want out of here. Call that doctor and tell him to release me immediately. There is nothing wrong with me!” He appeared full of energy and shouting demands.

Sparky, hearing her demanding husband, she came back into the hospital room and went to his bedside. “Landon’s here, Edward. He’s helping me with the legal side of this mess. He said that the police don’t have any evidence of my alleged attempt at killing you. Isn’t that comforting dear?”

Edward stared blindly at his wife. “What in the world? They think my Sparky would try to kill me? Preposterous!”

“I would never try to hurt you, Edward. Why would someone want to poison you in the first place? How did they get it in your coffee, if that’s where it was?” Sparky was getting more emotional and her voice raised a pitch or two.

“I’m hoping the cops can tell us some helpful information on that subject.” Sparky was able to gather her composure now that Landon was nearby.  Edward’s grogginess was leaving him slowly. He was becoming more alert and asked for something to eat.

Landon had called Sparky from the lobby to “test the waters.” “How’s Edward this morning? Is he awake?” Sparky answered his questions and told him to come head up to the room.

She put her phone back in her Coach purse and had a strong feeling that someone was watching her. She looked around seeing a sea of multi-patterned scrubs and hearing muffled voices in the hall. Medical personnel darting from room to room, bustling around; all with important jobs to do.

It occurred to Sparky that Edward might miss the competition because of this episode. That would be disastrous. If he didn’t improve, and quickly, the odds were he’d have to bow out of the dance contest and Sparky wouldn’t have a chance to prove to everyone that she was a great dancer. She wasn’t going to miss that opportunity. She still planned to get a divorce, but not until they had strutted successfully across the dance floor and walked off with that shiny trophy and the prize money. “Edward don’t fail me now.” She thought to herself as she went back in the sterile smelling room. 

Then it hit her that Edward was planning a way to “guarantee” winning the competition.  She still wasn’t “Oh no, that could mean a serious brush with the law and Edward possibly going to prison.” Sparky’s expression changed as she thought about all that was happening.  Her life had changed so much over the last couple of weeks.

“What you need in here are some cheerful flowers. I saw some pretty arrangements in the gift shop downstairs. I’m going to head down there and see if I can find something bright to decorate this drab room until you are out of here!” And she left the room hurriedly.

The two detectives hadn’t been seen this morning but Sparky figured they’d return soon and probably with a warrant to search the Haversham home. She wouldn’t let that bother her right now; she needed to decorate Edward’s room and brighten his surroundings.  “No more doom and gloom, no matter what!”

She entered the elevator and pushed the ground floor button on the panel. It arrived at the lobby and she quickly exited and headed to the gift shop. It was bright and cheerful, with stuffed animals, small pillows, jewelry, balloons, cards and other items to cheer those inhabiting these sterile walls. She scanned the room looking for something that was the perfect gift for Edward. Then she saw it…a teddy bear with a heart front and center. It was just what he needed; something soft and cuddly. There were some beautiful flowers in the refrigerator and she grabbed a couple of small bouquets and a card, too. She would brighten up the place if she could. “Hospitals were so drab and depressing.” She thought as she walked up to the counter to pay the clerk.

After paying the clerk, she carried her treasures back through the sparsely decorated lobby, noticing the people sitting playing games on their smart phones, talking quietly amongst themselves and reading magazines. She had a great deal on her mind but would keep up the appearance of “wifely” affection as long as she could.  Her future was uncertain but she had high hopes of a happier life.  She put a smile on her face and waited for the elevator to land at Edward’s floor.

Walking back to Edward’s room with all the items she passed the nurses’ station. “Oh great. It’s those detectives again.” She groaned.

“Mrs. Haversham. Good morning. We had a few additional questions to ask you today. Do you mind if we come in? It won’t take up too much of your time.” Inspector Morris asked with a Cheshire cat-type grin.

“Oh yes I welcome the thought of you ripping me to shreds with your interrogation.” Sparky thought as she faked a reserved smile.

“Edward is awake and probably eating his first real breakfast in days.” She hinted, hoping they would be brief.

“That’s good news isn’t it, Mrs. Haversham…especially for you, I might add.” Inspector Morris said with a tone of sarcasm.

“He is doing much better today. The doctor should be in soon to hopefully release him.” Sparky tried to sound upbeat, doubting inwardly that it was working.

“We were hoping to talk to the physician as well. We need to wrap up a few things about Mr. Haversham’s ingestion of the poison. You did say you were in another room when you heard a thud in Mr. Haversham’s office. Did you serve him the coffee that morning?”

“Actually I didn’t. Edward made his own coffee and as I recall he’d just opened a new package. I didn’t remember buying it. I just figured he’d bought it on his way home and put it in the cabinet.”

“Do you have any hired staff at your home…like a maid, butler or housekeeper?”

“Yes we just hired a new housekeeper…a nice lady. She’s foreign, I think. She’s got a strong accent, maybe Eastern European or something like that. Not really sure. She’s very quiet; keeps to herself. I believe her name is Maya.  You’ll have to wait until Edward is a little more alert and then you can ask him.  He does all that sort of thing; hiring and firing household staff.  We live quite modestly, actually.  But he requires a couple of staff for cooking and cleaning, mostly.”  (Note: Sparky’s idea of living modestly equals a fine expensive living space, an occasional spa visit, a closet full of the latest fashions, dining in fine restaurants, and a home or two scattered in other scenic locations).

“We need to contact this lady, do you think that Edward might have her phone number or address available? We would like to ask her a few questions.” Detective James spoke for the first time this morning.

“I may have that information.  Edward had a stack of items on the desk in his office. I grabbed a few papers and mail to go through, bills and such, just to pass the time.  If there is something with her name and address in the pile I will give you the information you need.” She had large, floral-patterned tote bag with her and started going through its contents.

“Ah here it is. Mrs. Maya Levitsky.” She handed an index card with roughly scribbled writing on it to the agent with a slight smile.

The agent quickly jotted down the name, address and phone number and handed the card back to Sparky.

Doctor Miller walked in briskly and greeted the growing crowd of visitors. “Good morning. My we do have a lot of visitors, today.” He said cheerfully.

“Edward how are you feeling? Any blurry vision?”

“No doctor. My eyes are fine. When can I get out of here?” Edward said in a somewhat gruff tone.

“Well let’s not be too hasty. You have definitely shown improvement and your vitals are stable. I’d say let’s wait until later today and see if you are able to walk up and down the hall, use the restroom unassisted and eat some heavier food and then we’ll make a determination.”

Detective James threw a question at the doctor, “So was there evidence of poison in his system?”

“The final tests showed no poison. We think it was a twenty-four hour virus. No drugs or chemicals were present. The first test was shown to be corrupt. Our staff is investigating to see if human error was to blame. It may have been a glitch in the data entry process.  We will have the results later on.  I’m sure it’s nothing criminal…just an oversight of some sort. Our patient will be fine.” The doctor shook hands with the visitors and left abruptly.

“Well, case closed I guess.” Said Inspector Morris. “Sorry to waste your time folks. Good luck and I hope Mr. Haversham, that you recover quickly.”

The two detectives exited the room and Sparky drew a relaxed breath. “Well that was an ordeal to be sure!”

Sparky looked over at her still-groggy husband and thought, “Ah now I can get on with my life…starting with that competition and then leaving Edward. He won’t know what hit him!” She smirked. Yes, she could be a bit of a villain, herself, when she wanted to.

Edward was sitting up, staring into space…distant, lost in some deep secret place. He was shaken out of his thoughts by Sparky’s bright but fake smile. “Hello darling. Well what a relief! So glad the cops have left and we can focus on getting you out of here today.” Sounding artificially cheerful, she gave a quick glance his way, waiting for a response, however preoccupied it seemed.

“I want to get out of here as soon as I can,” Edward said. He showed a sudden expression of determination.

“Yes, dear. The doctor says you will be able to leave shortly. We can go home and enjoy some peace and quiet. It will be good to be out of this place!” Sparky tried to sound genuine, only to lose herself in some deep thought.

Bringing herself back to the present, she said, “Edward, I need you to know that Landon is here. He flew in and has been outside waiting until after the detectives left. They questioned him thoroughly and he felt like he was on trial. These guys are like vultures. Now that you are awake, you have to know they all but accused me of poisoning you. The nerve! As if I would do something that evil.”

“Why would they do that? I was just sick, that’s all. I want to go home, NOW!” His voice carried in the direction of the hallway. An alarmed nurse walked in, “Is something wrong, sir?” She asked nervously.

“Yes, I want to go home this instant! Have someone on your staff come in here and release me at once!” His voice getting louder.

“Edward please calm yourself. If they see you getting agitated they will not release you. They’ll think you’re having some kind of relapse.” Sparky tried to sound like she cared.

“I will get the doctor. He will have you sign a release form and then we will get your things together and you will be able to leave.” The flustered nurse sounded like she’d be very grateful to have this ‘problem patient’ leave immediately.

She hustled out of the room as if she couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Landon had a concerned look as he tried to soothe his brother-in-law. “Well, Edward you’re looking much better already. We’ll get you out of here and back to your own place. We have lots to talk about…the approaching competition and some other important things.”

Sparky looked at Landon with a look of puzzlement? “Other important things? Just what do you have on your mind, Landon?” She asked timidly.

“Well as you know, Sparky, the competition is coming up and there have been rumors of trouble brewing behind the scenes; gossip was thrown around saying that someone was planning a full dose of sabotage at the competition.  Because of those rumors, they are beefing up security to make sure that nothing happens to interrupt the contest.  Remember, I have some friends in influential places and they keep me in the ‘legal loop.’ I have kept up with my buddies from law school.” Landon raised his eyebrows and puffed up his chest.

“Wow, Landon, I’ve not seen you this excited. Too much caffeine?” She joked.