The Love You Crave

28.

Two Days Ago…

Maybe finds herself distracted by thoughts of Daddy. She likes the idea of calling him Ralph, even though she came up with the name to tease him. But if their current relationship turns romantic, and if she’s able to open up to him, literally, she’s not about to call him Daddy. Maybe Ralph will eventually tell her his real name.

She has a high profile target this time, a big city mayor. Ralph didn’t say which one, and Maybe didn’t ask. The mayor and his family are vacationing at a beach condo in Charleston, South Carolina, and all she’s been given is the condo address and a key to cubby 17 in the lady’s locker room at Oceanwood Country Club.

That’s where the gun and silencer will be located, in a large tote bag, suitable for carrying beach items.

Maybe wonders how Ralph obtains weapons and poisons. Once he has them, how does he hide them in places like women’s locker rooms? She wonders if he has a team working for him, a team that includes a woman among its members.

Is she jealous?

Maybe thinks about it. She’d like to be part of a team, part of Ralph’s close circle of friends. Perhaps even…

What, she thinks. Marry him and run the team together?

She laughs. Tells herself to get a grip.

It’s four in the afternoon when she strolls through the country club lobby. She enters the women’s locker room, sees a number of women milling about. Some are primping in the mirrors in the lounge, others are sitting on benches, in front of open lockers. Maybe doesn’t know where cubby 17 is, and doesn’t want to be caught perusing the lockers. She’s a stranger, and would surely be reported.

“May I help you?” the attendant says, brightly.

“Hi,” Maybe says. “Just wanted to use the restroom.”

“Of course. Are you showering?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“If you’re showering, I’ll lay out a fresh towel for you.”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

The attendant leaves and a voice behind her whispers, “You should be proud of yourself.”

Maybe turns. “Excuse me?”

The lady behind her is early thirties. Her hair and makeup perfect. She’s smiling, waiting for the attendant to get out of earshot. “I’m Hailey.”

Maybe isn’t sure what to do or say. “What a coincidence!” she finally says. “That’s my name, too!”

Hailey smiles. “No it isn’t, but that was a nice recovery. Come.”

Maybe follows Hailey into the second row of lockers. They sit together on the bench in front of locker 17. “I’m working with you on this one.”

Maybe glances at the locker. Then looks at Hailey.

“Excuse me?” she says. “Working with me on what, my golf game?”

“I’m going to help you kill the mayor,” Hailey whispers.

She has her own key, and uses it to open the locker. She removes the tote bag, hands it to Maybe and says, “Let’s go out together.”

Maybe pauses. “Ralph didn’t mention you.”

“Who?”

“Daddy.”

Hailey looks confused. “Who’s Daddy?”

“The guy. The one who set this up.”

“Oh. Well, it was last minute.” She looks around. “Let’s not talk here.”

“Where, then?”

“Parking lot.”

“I don’t know if I can trust you.”

Hailey laughs. “You’re the one with the gun.”

They walk out together.

In the parking lot, Maybe says, “Why does he think I’ll need help?”

“We just learned the mayor is sharing the condo with two aides and three hookers.”