Blood Loss

51

Ren went to Gary’s office when she got back. She told him what happened with Tina Bowers.

‘Gary, you have got to let me go talk to Shep Collier,’ said Ren. ‘Tina Bowers was paid off — Shep Collier was set up, Tina confirmed that. She was paid $20,000 to tell a tall tale. And the same guy who paid her to trash the congressman sent Tina to The Lowry to entrap Mark Whaley …’

‘Where does Shep Collier live?’ said Gary.

‘Florida,’ said Ren. ‘Sarasota.’

Gary raised an eyebrow.

‘I wish he lived next door,’ said Ren. ‘I have zero interest in getting on another flight, even if I do end up in warmer, more glamorous climes …’ She paused. ‘I just have a feeling Collier will talk to me,’ said Ren.

Gary waited for more.

‘It was just … it was how he was on the phone with me,’ said Ren.

‘That’s it?’ said Gary.

‘My bag is still packed,’ said Ren. ‘This will be an easy transition.’

‘OK, go,’ said Gary. ‘But, Ren — Shep Collier stood up in front of America and admitted this. Can you trust what this girl is saying?’

Ren stopped at her desk, and sat down to type up her conversation with Tina Bowers. Paul Louderback called as she was finishing.

‘Well, you were a big hit with my girls,’ said Paul.

‘Aw.’

‘They thought you were “so cool” …’ said Paul.

‘Well, you can tell them I thought they were so cool,’ said Ren. ‘They are really great kids.’

‘I know …’ said Paul.

‘You are allowed to take some credit for how your kids turned out,’ said Ren. ‘There was a little hesitation in your voice, there.’

‘Marianne has done the heavy lifting,’ said Paul. ‘I … well, I don’t know what exactly I contributed.’

‘That’s ridiculous.’

‘So, what happened with Whore du Jour?’ said Paul.

‘Shep Collier was framed,’ said Ren. ‘Tina Bowers didn’t sleep with him. She was paid $20,000 to say she did.’

‘Any idea who’s behind this?’ said Paul.

‘I’m flying to Florida in the morning to talk to Shep Collier,’ said Ren.

‘Can I come?’ said Paul.

Ren smiled.

‘I hope you didn’t mind Wednesday — that I didn’t tell you the girls were with me,’ said Paul. ‘I’d been sitting there, thinking, “How am I going to talk to the girls for two more hours?” I love them so much, and I’d be just fine sitting there quietly with them, but that’s not what they want. They would have gotten bored, and I would hate the idea that spending time with me was a duty. You came along and you were able to talk to them about movie stars, and clothes, and computer games, and pop singers.’

Movie stars and pop singers. Quaint.

‘Were we at the same table?’ said Ren. ‘They were just excited to be there with you. They adore you.’

‘Thanks,’ said Paul. ‘And you weren’t the only big hit. They seemed to take quite a shine to Ben Rader.’

Pause. Reflect. ‘Probably because he looks roundabout their age,’ said Ren.

‘In fact, they thought you and Ben would make a great couple,’ said Paul.

Yeah … until their father showed up in town and messed it all up.

‘Kids adore Ben,’ said Ren.

‘He’s quite the charmer,’ said Paul.

Stop where you’re going.

Ren kept working until late. Until she got a call from Naomi.

‘Ren, get your butt into Gaffney’s. I’m here with your office, and they’re talking work and sport. Like that’s any kind of revelation to you, but please. Save me.’

Ren looked at her watch. ‘Ooh,’ she said. ‘I’d love to, but I’ve got a five-thirty flight in the morning.’

‘That’s hours away,’ said Naomi. ‘No excuse. Get to your locker, do a Superman. Text me when you’re two minutes away and I’ll even have your beer lined up.’

‘OK …’ said Ren. ‘A few beers won’t kill me.’

‘Yay!’ said Naomi.

‘See you there,’ said Ren.

Gary was standing in the doorway. ‘Are you going to Gaffney’s?’

‘Yes,’ said Ren.

‘You’re flying out early in the morning, right?’

‘Yes …’

‘So, can you drive?’ said Gary. ‘So I can have a beer?’

You evil genius. ‘Sure,’ said Ren. ‘You don’t need a ride home, do you?’

‘No,’ said Gary.

They got into the Jeep. Ren started the engine. She reversed out of the spot in a sweeping arc that finished with a deafening crunch of metal, and a forward motion that slammed her head hard against the steering wheel, and split the skin at her eye.

‘Jesus Christ,’ said Gary. He had grabbed the dashboard and his arm had taken all the impact.

‘Fuck,’ said Ren. ‘Fuck. I’m sorry, Gary.’

Gary let out a breath. ‘Are you OK?’ He turned to her.

She still had her head down, and was holding the steering wheel. She touched her cheek. She looked at her fingers. Blood. Lots of blood.

She lifted her head up slowly, and looked at Gary.

You are very, very handsome.

‘I’m OK,’ said Ren. ‘I think.’ She pressed her fingers along her eye socket. ‘Ow.’

‘That’s a black eye,’ said Gary. ‘And stitches.’

‘And it didn’t even happen in the line of duty …’ said Ren.

‘It’s your duty to drive well,’ said Gary. ‘What the hell happened?’

‘I … have no idea, I was just pulling out, I didn’t see anything … I didn’t think there was a car there. I don’t know. I’m so sorry, Gary. I can’t believe this. I’ve never crashed in my entire life …’

They both unhooked their seatbelts and got out to check the damage.

‘It’s not a Safe Streets car, that much I know,’ said Gary. ‘I’ll call it in.’

‘Thank you. I’m so sorry.’

‘Let’s get you to a hospital, get checked out,’ said Gary.

‘No,’ said Ren. I want to curl into a ball and cry.

‘Come on,’ said Gary, ‘let’s get you fixed up.’

Tall order, Mr Dettling. Tall order.