A Stolen Season

Chapter Six

I can make a long list of all the bad things that have happened in my life. My mother dying when I was a kid, a partner dead, a bullet next to my heart, a failed marriage. Those would be the items on the top of the list. Somewhere below those would be never getting an at-bat in the major leagues, never telling my father I loved him, and, oh yeah, getting talked into becoming a private investigator. I’m not sure exactly where spending a night in jail would rank, but it would probably make the top twenty.

There are three holding cells in the basement of the City-County Building. When Vinnie and I were brought down here, there was already one man in the cell. He was sleeping on one of the three beds, and the loud clang of the metal door didn’t wake him. The poisonous smell of alcohol hung all around him, so it wasn’t much of a mystery.

My hands hurt like hell, but Vinnie’s hands looked even worse. He sat on one of the beds with his back against the concrete wall, his hands tucked under his armpits. He didn’t say much all night. I knew better than to try to talk to him, so all I could do was count the hours until sunrise. Eventually, I lay down and tried to sleep. When I closed my eyes I saw Vinnie going at it with the man named Cap. He was going at it like I’d never seen him before, like he seriously didn’t want his man to walk away alive.

I was having my own problems with the big man named Bruce. If he had had two good hands, he probably would have taken me apart. But his taped-up strained right wrist didn’t help him much, especially after I grabbed onto his thumb and twisted it backward. Funny how a large dose of pain will take the fight right out of some guys.

The drunk slept. Vinnie stared straight ahead at nothing, lost inside his own head. I just sat there and wondered how this would get written up in the paper. They have this senior reporter at the Soo Evening News who likes to get creative with the police blotter. For this particular item, he’d probably describe a “violent altercation” at a “local watering hole.” Or perhaps even a “spectacular melee” at an “after-hours drinking establishment.” Whatever words he used, it would go on to say that Vincent LeBlanc and Alex McKnight, both of Paradise, were taken into custody and spent the night at the Chippewa County Jail. And that the other participants were all released.

The time passed. There was no way to see if the sun was up yet. But somehow I knew it was morning. The guard was nowhere in sight, so I had no choice but to use the toilet in the middle of the cell. A new low in my life, to be exceeded one minute later when the drunk finally woke up and threw up on my shoes. Then it got even worse.

Chief Maven showed up.

The chief and I already had a colorful history, of course. For some reason we had taken an almost instantaneous chemical dislike to each other. The only thing going for me was the fact that everyone else seemed to hate him, too.

He stood at the bars and looked through at both of us.

“Good morning, Chief,” I said.

“What happened to your shoes?”

“Are you going to let us out of here now?”

“I got to see you in this very cell once before, remember?”

“Chief-”

“I never thought I’d get to see it again.”

“If you’re not going to let us out, then-”

“I will,” he said. “Eventually. Just give me a chance to burn this image into my mind. It’ll keep me warm all winter.”

Some days I could almost understand why he had such a big chip on his shoulder. He was the chief of police for the second-biggest town in the Upper Peninsula, but he had to share a building with the county guys. He didn’t even have his own jail. The state police down the street got most of the serious cases, not to mention the U.S. Customs office at the bridge and the Coast Guard on the locks. He was low man on the totem pole and it had to eat at him every time he went into his little cement box of an office.

Yeah, some days I could actually feel for the man. But today was not one of those days.

He slid the key into the lock and opened the door. Vinnie and I both stepped out. I was surprised at how good it felt to be out of the cell, even if Maven was responsible for it. As he led us down the hall, I looked back at the drunk. He was back on the bed, fast asleep.

“This way,” Maven said. He led us up the stairs and right to his office. I knew it all too well, especially the crappy little waiting area just outside it, with the hard plastic chair and the magazines a decade out of date.

He opened his office door and waved us inside. There were two more hard plastic chairs waiting for us, facing his desk. “You gentlemen have a seat. I’ll be right back.”

“Come on, Chief,” I said. “You don’t have to play the waiting game today, all right?”

“I can take you back downstairs to the cell if you’d rather wait there.”

We sat down. He closed the door and left us there.

Chief Maven had never wasted much effort decorating his office. It had four gray cement walls. There were no pictures. There wasn’t even a window. How the man could ever spend time in this room, I didn’t know.

“I got you into this,” Vinnie said.

“He speaks.”

“I’m just saying I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. Seriously. I think I owed you a few.”

“I’m in no position to ask,” he said. “But I’ll ask anyway.”

“Shoot.”

“If we tell him everything, it’ll put Caroline in a tight spot.”

“Potentially.”

“You know it will.”

“So what do you want me to say?”

“Just put it on me. It was my fault.”

“Vinnie, does this woman mean that much to you?”

“I told you before. She’s a good friend.”

“Let me guess. There was a time she was something more.”

“You could say that.”

“When was this?”

“A long time ago. Before you came up here.”

“You were kids, then.”

“Pretty much, yes. It didn’t feel like it at the time. We were pretty heavy there for a while. I guess you could say we were engaged.”

“What happened?”

“We were both drinking back then. All the time. I decided to get straight, but she didn’t. I mean, maybe she tried, but…”

“You had to end things.”

“I tried to help her,” he said.

“I’m sure you did. But if she was still drinking…”

“I feel like I failed her, Alex. It’s like I could only save myself. I had to leave her behind.”

“So even now, when she makes this problem for herself…”

“I think you’d do the same. I know you would.”

I didn’t try to argue. He had me dead on that one.

We didn’t say anything else until Chief Maven came back a few minutes later. He sat down behind his desk like it was a hugely painful inconvenience for him to be there.

“Why were we held overnight?” I said.

“Because you trashed a bar. I’d call that a no-brainer.”

“Neither of us was drunk.”

Maven looked back and forth between us. “So I understand. Mr. LeBlanc, you were quite sober as well, right?”

“Yes,” Vinnie said. It occurred to me that Vinnie had probably never had this pleasure before, a personal visit to the legendary Chief Roy Maven’s office. From the sound of his voice, it sounded like Vinnie was taking to it about as well as I had my first time.

“We spent the night in jail,” I said. “The other guys were released at the scene.”

“The bartender said you guys came in and attacked them. What were they supposed to do?”

“There’s more to it than that.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured there might be, McKnight. That’s why you’re sitting here.”

I hesitated.

“I’m all ears,” he said.

“They were harassing people at the casino,” Vinnie said. I was surprised when he jumped in, but now there was no stopping him. “A couple of nights ago. I had to throw them out. Yesterday, they came up to Paradise and tried to pick a fight with Alex. Even though he helped save their lives the night before, when they wrecked their boat.”

“Those were the guys on Waishkey Bay?” Maven said. “Where that old bridge runs through the water?”

“The old pilings, yes.”

“So why did they try to pick a fight?”

“Who knows? They thought Alex took something valuable from the wreck. Some kind of box that was in the boat. Which he didn’t, of course. But instead of being thankful, here they were threatening him. I showed up at the Glasgow Inn just in time.”

“Is that right, McKnight? This man saved your ass? Probably not the first time, eh?”

I wasn’t sure what to say.

Maven didn’t wait for me. “So how did this whole thing end up here in my town?”

“Like I said, I threw them out of Bay Mills. I figured they’d end up at the Kewadin. I recognized their vehicle outside the Palace.”

“So you went in and attacked them.”

“I confronted them, yes. They were going to come back, Chief. It was only a matter of time. You should have seen these guys. You should have heard what they were saying to Alex. I was just trying to look out for my friend. I take full responsibility for what happened.”

“Now wait a minute-,” I said.

“You should be ashamed of yourself,” Maven said to me. “You don’t deserve to have a friend like this.”

“Just hold on.” Count to three, I told myself. Don’t leap over the desk and strangle him.

“I will grant you one thing,” Maven said. “There is something not quite kosher about these boys. Besides being stupid enough to run a boat into an old bridge.”

“Who are they, anyway?” Vinnie said. “Where are they from?”

“All three are from downstate, from around Detroit. I’d say they’re just up here for vacation, but hell, with the weather we’ve been having?”

“They’re from Detroit? Where are they staying up here?”

Maven looked at him. “Just hold on right there, Mr. LeBlanc. That’s the kind of trick McKnight would pull. You’ve got to understand, this whole thing has to stop right here. Somebody’s going to get seriously hurt, or even killed.”

“All they have to do is leave,” Vinnie said. “Just go on back home.”

“They may do just that. I hope they do. But at the same time, I have to warn you. If you go after them again, I’ll throw away the key. Do I make myself clear?”

“You’re not charging us?”

“I could. Your friends had no interest in filing assault charges, but I could still ring you up for disturbing the peace, destruction of property…Which reminds me, the Palace has a list of damages here. I trust you guys will take care of that?”

“Yes,” I said. “Of course.”

“Good. Do we have an understanding on what you’re not going to do next?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Mr. LeBlanc?”

Vinnie thought about it. “Yes, Chief.”

“I keep telling myself,” Maven said. “The next time I have McKnight in my office, that’s the day I retire.”

“Maybe you should,” I said. “Go someplace where they actually have summers.”

“That would make you happy, wouldn’t it. Seeing me leave.”

“I think you’d miss me.”

“It’s always a pleasure, McKnight.” He stood up and opened the door for us. “Now get the hell out of here.”

We did. We went outside, each of us taking a deep breath of fresh air. It wasn’t raining, but there was a cold wind coming off the lake. The Palace was close enough to walk to. We got in Vinnie’s truck, still parked on the street from the night before, and then he took me over to the Kewadin.

“You need to get some ice on your hands,” I said. As he drove I could see how cut up and swollen they were. Both of them.

“I will.”

“You surprised me in there. You played Maven like a drum.”

“It wasn’t hard. He obviously dislikes you so much. Anything that makes you look bad he’s gonna fall for.”

“Yeah, good thinking.” I shook my head and looked out my window at the miserable day.

When we got to the Kewadin, he pulled up next to my truck. The parking lot was still half empty.

“What are you going to do now?” I said.

“I’m not sure. Maybe go see if Caroline’s okay.”

“You’re not going after them, are you?”

“How could I? I don’t know where they are.”

“Vinnie…”

“I’ll see you later. If you’re around, maybe we can get some work done.”

“I’ll be there,” I said. I started to get out. “Please don’t do anything.”

“I’ll see you at the Glasgow.”

I closed the door and watched him drive off. I could only wonder when I’d see him again, and if he’d be in one piece.

When I got back to Paradise, I thought about stopping in at the Glasgow. I would have killed for one of Jackie’s omelets just then. But I went up to my cabin first and I was glad that I did. There was a message on my machine. It was from Natalie.

“Alex…You’re not there…I just wanted to see how you’re doing. You asked me to call you tonight. I guess you’re out. Anyway, things are getting hot here. We might be making a move soon. Finally. I’ll try to call you tomorrow. Have a good night. Bye.”

She sounded a little lost. Maybe a little pissed-off that I wasn’t there, after I bugged her to call me so much the last time I talked to her. I couldn’t blame her. She probably thought I was down at the Glasgow, drinking beer while my phone rang off the hook. Little did she know.

I got some ice out, wrapped it up in a towel, and put the whole thing over the knuckles on my right hand. I lay down on the bed. I could hear the wind blowing. I thought I heard it start to rain again, but couldn’t be sure. I was content to stay inside for now and wonder.

You don’t sleep well in jail. That’s one thing I had learned. I felt like I could stay right here on the bed for a week.

But no…

I should do something…

What? What should I do? What…

When I woke up, the ice had melted. I was holding a wet towel. My hand was still sore, and now I was hungry as all hell. I looked at the clock. I had slept for more than three hours.

I took a shower, put clean clothes on, and looked for anything edible I might have in my refrigerator.

You’re stalling, I thought. You’re looking for an excuse to stay here in case Natalie calls.

My choices were a can of baked beans or spaghetti with no sauce. I’ll go to the Glasgow, I thought. Check on Vinnie on my way down there, see if he’s home yet. Eat something, then come back. She probably won’t call until tonight, anyway.

As I was on my way out the door, the phone rang.

It was her.

“Alex,” she said, “you’re there.”

“Yes. Sorry I missed you last night. Things got a little crazy…”

“I wish you had a better cell phone. It would make things a lot easier.”

“I told you, cell phones work like crap around here.”

“Bad cell phones do. I’m telling you, next time I see you, we’re getting you a new one.”

“Next time you see me? I like the sound of that…”

“I don’t have much time to talk today,” she said. “I was thinking I’d just leave a message again, tell you that we’re finally moving. We’re pretty close to taking them down, and I’m not sure when you’ll hear from me again.”

“How long have you guys been setting this up? I never worked any undercover, but from what I remember hearing, the longer the setup, the more chance of getting compromised.”

“You’re sounding like my CO again.”

“Natalie…”

“I know, I know. It wasn’t the plan. But we’ve gotten this close. We can’t back out now after all this work.”

“Is something going to happen today?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. I have to hook up with Rhapsody. She’ll know what the next move is.”

I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to tell her I thought the whole thing was crazy. I didn’t want to plant any doubts in her mind when she was this close to the payoff.

“Just be careful,” I said. “If anything looks off…”

“I know, Alex. I’ll pull the plug.”

“But nothing will go wrong. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”

There was a long silence. I couldn’t imagine what she was thinking. I waited for her to say something else.

“So what did you do last night?” she finally asked. “Were you hanging out with Vinnie and Jackie?”

“Well…Vinnie.”

“I bet you guys were working on the cabin.”

“No, actually, we were in jail.”

“Excuse me?”

“Listen, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you, okay?”

“You’re telling me to be careful here and you’re the one getting thrown in jail?”

“Okay, I know it looks bad on paper.”

“What, you got drunk, you got in a fight…My God, Alex.”

“I wasn’t drunk. Come on.”

“This is almost kinda funny. I should be laughing.”

“Yeah, it’s hilarious.”

“Are you going to be charged with anything?”

“No,” I said. “Chief Maven let us go this morning.”

“Chief Maven…That’s beautiful. Did you say ‘hi’ for me?”

“Your name didn’t come up, no.”

“Okay, I’ve got to go now.”

“Natalie. Please. Do you want the whole story now?”

“I really have to go. Don is here. We’re getting ready to roll.”

“Okay,” I said. “Okay. Give me a call later, please? Let me know how you’re doing?”

“I’ll try. Unless things get crazy. Just do me a favor, eh?”

“What’s that?”

“Try to stay out of jail tonight.”

When I finally headed down to the Glasgow, I looked for Vinnie’s truck as I passed his house. It wasn’t there. The sun was going down now. It was officially time to start getting worried.

I was hoping maybe he’d be down at the Glasgow. No such luck. Jackie said he hadn’t seen him all day.

“You weren’t here again last night,” he added. “That’s two nights in a row. A new record.”

“It might be a hat trick,” I said. “I’ve gotta go find Vinnie before he does something really stupid.”

It was almost dark by the time I got to the rez. I cruised down the main street, past Vinnie’s mother’s place. No sign of his truck. I checked both casinos. Nothing.

“God damn you, Vinnie. Please tell me you’re not tracking those guys down.”

There was only one place left to go. I headed east to the Soo. I had nothing to think about all the way there except the way Natalie sounded on the phone, and what she’d be getting herself into next. Maybe even right now, as I was driving down this lonely road. Maybe right this very moment, she’s five hundred miles away, in the dark corners of a big city, putting it all on the line.

Thinking so much about Natalie and Toronto…It was a jarring segue when I hit Sault Ste. Marie. I think of the place as a city, but it’s not. Not by a long shot. It’s a small village on the edge of the water, the last stop before you leave the country. A true border town, dwarfed by its sister with the same name on the other side of the river. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a good four times bigger. All the clubs are over there. The music and the dancing girls. You know you’re in the minor leagues when you have to go over to Canada to find the real nightlife.

The only bright lights in town were at the Kewadin, as usual. I didn’t see Vinnie’s truck there. I drove up Seymour Street, past Caroline’s house. The place looked completely dark, like nobody had lived there in years. If I hadn’t been there myself the night before, if I hadn’t stood in the kitchen and seen Caroline’s husband smoking his cigarette and drinking his beer, I would have sworn that this was an abandoned house.

I parked the truck on the street, got out, and knocked on the door, just in case. There was no answer.

“Come on, Vinnie. Where the hell are you?”

I got back in the truck, drove down Portage Avenue. I slowed down in front of all eight bars. Then I cut back and drove by the Antlers. I was running out of options.

“All right, I’m done, Vinnie. If you want to do this that badly, I can’t help you.”

I drove back to Paradise. I was getting tired again. I went through Brimley, through the rez. Up around the edge of the bay, with the water looking dark and cold in my headlights. If I was hoping he’d be there at the Glasgow, I was disappointed. If I was hoping his truck would be parked in front of his cabin…No dice. The man was still out there somewhere, doing God knows what.

And Natalie…I can’t call you. I can’t even call your station to ask if you’re safe. I have no idea what the hell is happening to you.

Yeah, this is wonderful, I thought. I’ll be bouncing back and forth between both of these little worries all night long.

No rest. No sleep.

Just me alone in a cold cabin with a silent phone, going quietly insane.