Riddle (6 page)

Chapter 10

Kort pulled past the fence and into the dusty parking lot in front of Riddle Construction. Several pick-up trucks and cars were parked to the side of a trailer. A large sign stretched across the front of the trailer heralding the company name and contact information as well as the owner’s name, Chad Stewart. Kort sat for a moment remembering how Chad had looked in high school. Neither a jock nor a hood Chad had fallen somewhere in the middle. Not a genius and far from slow he seemed to get along with everyone. Chad had been there the day the sheriff had walked into homeroom and placed the handcuffs on Kort’s wrists. His eyes betrayed no shock or surprise, he simply watched as Kort was led from the classroom, down the halls, and out to the waiting sheriff’s car.

The door to the trailer opened and two middle aged men wearing bright yellow hard hats emerged. Kort waited until they got into a pick-up with the company logo displayed on the side before getting out of his truck and heading to the trailer. The air smelled of cement and plaster and other familiar new construction scents. Kort was just reaching for the door knob when the door swung open and another middle aged man moved aside to let him enter.

Chad was sitting on the corner of a desk at the far end of the trailer and his face broke into a smile when he saw Kort. Rising he extended his hand, “Kort Eriksen! You’ve grown a few inches.”

Shaking his hand Kort grinned. “You’re not exactly short yourself Chad.” Chad had in fact grown a few inches but he was still three inches shorter than Kort. “You’ve done a good job here,” Kort commented, gesturing at the office. “And I appreciate the opportunity.”

Chad nodded slowly. “You know Kort I never believed you were guilty. A lot of us guys figured you were just an easy target.”

Smiling wryly Kort nodded back. “Unfortunately I couldn’t prove I was innocent.” Taking a deep breath he continued. “But what’s done is done. I have to move forward. Like I said, I appreciate what you’re doing.”

“Come on and have a seat.” Chad took his chair behind the desk and Kort sat down across from him. Pulling his resume from the manila envelope he slid it across the desk toward Chad.

Without looking at it Chad spoke softly. “I’ve already seen it Kort. But to tell you the truth I would have hired you anyway. I’ve always been a little guilty about what happened to you.” For a moment the air in the office grew thick and Kort wondered why Chad would have felt guilty. Chad lowered his eyes and fiddled with the resume as he continued. “When your lawyer asked for character witnesses I probably should have stepped up.” He looked back at Kort. “But I didn’t. Yeah my parents forbade me, told me not to get involved. I’d stood up to them before. But then I just couldn’t. It was like the town was divided and most people thought you were guilty. I guess, well, I was afraid I would somehow be judged.”

“Chad we were kids. I don’t know what I would have done in your place. I hope I would have stood up but I probably would have stayed out of it too. I know my parents would have acted just like yours.” Shrugging he added, “It’s done. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I really do appreciate your giving me a job. That is if you are giving me a job.” A grin played around the corners of his mouth.

Chad burst out laughing. “Hell yeah I’m offering you a job. Let’s get this paperwork out of the way and I’ll fill you in on job duties, pay rate, and all that fun stuff.”

Any uneasiness that had cropped up between the men passed and they got busy filling out forms. When the formalities were completed Kort told Chad about his morning appointment with his parole officer.

Chad smiled slightly. “I know. She called me. Is she a hardass?”

Shaking his head Kort said, “I haven’t met her yet. I guess I’ll find out in a little while. Do you want me to come back afterward?”

Chad thought for a moment before telling Kort that returning after his meeting was a good idea. “I’ll take you out to the site where you’ll be working and introduce you around. Give you an idea what we’re doing out there. It’s a big project. We’ve gotten a contract to upgrade and do some additions to the apartments on the ridge. You’ve come home at the right time bro.”

As they walked to the door Chad continued. “I haven’t told anyone about your history. Most of these guys are fairly new in town. They may know, they may not. But if you have any trouble just let me know.”

Kort squinted out at the brightening day. “Well Chad, it’s part of my life. It isn’t going away.” He looked back at his friend. “I may as well get used to dealing with it.”

As he got back into his truck he returned Chad’s wave. Heading toward the court house he thought back over their conversation. Something niggled at the back of his mind. Chad seemed truly eager to help him but something just didn’t feel quite right. He was at the courthouse in a matter of minutes and pulled into one of the few available spots not marked “
Police Only
”.

Taking a deep breath he looked at his reflection in the rearview mirror. The last time he had been in the courthouse was the day he had been sentenced. Letting his mind go back to that day he recalled it was early spring and the courtroom windows were open allowing a cool breeze to circulate the scent of red currant blossoms and mulch throughout the crowded room. Beyond the windows he could see the cherry trees beginning to green. By the time the blooms burst forth in their pinks and whites he would be far away.

The sound of a car door closing nearby pulled him back to the moment. He watched a couple hurrying into the courthouse a young girl walking between them, her head down as if she wanted to hide from view. He waited until they were inside the building before getting out of the truck and following them inside.

There had been a lot of changes since he had last been inside the old building. It was much brighter and the old lights had been replaced by newer and more energy efficient lighting. An information center now sat in the center of the main floor and the single ornate staircase had been replaced by a practical and modern staircase that led to the second floor courtrooms. His eyes immediately went to the courtroom with the large Roman numeral one outside the door. Its brass finish gleamed in the brighter lights and seemed to almost leap out at him.  For a brief moment his heart beat faster and he forced himself to take a few deep breaths. Making his way to the information desk he focused on the task at hand. “The past is the past.” He repeated in his head.

The uniformed officer behind the desk looked up at his approach and Kort could feel her eyes flick over him assessing him, appraising him, cataloguing him, and filing him away.

“I’m looking for Jeri Lawrence. I have an appointment.”

The appraisal was now complete and her expression told him he had been filed under “Criminal”. Her eyes flicked over him once more, disdainful and wary. “Third floor. Check in at the desk.” She shoved a clipboard with a sign in sheet across the desk. “Show them your ID.”

Kort signed his name and printed it neatly next to his signature. “Thank you.” Years ago he would have been sullen and would have shoved the clipboard back. But years and prison had mellowed him. He slid the clipboard gently toward the officer before turning and heading to the staircase.

Even as he mounted the stairs he could feel her eyes on him, measuring him for threats and dangers. In spite of the tension of the moment he wanted to look back at her and flip her the bird. He resisted the temptation.

Reaching the third floor he saw doors at either end of the corridor and headed toward the one that read probation where another policeman sat at a desk. “Who are you here to see?” he asked in a bored tone not even looking at Kort.

“Jeri Lawrence.” Kort dug his wallet out of his pants pocket and removing his license he presented it to the guard.

Barely glancing at it he pushed the sign in sheet toward him. “Sign in,” he muttered and the strong odor of raw onion filled the air. Once again Kort signed in, and ignored the unpleasant stench that surrounded the officer.

Still not looking at him the guard told him to go to the third door on the left and buzzed him through the locked doors. Passing several cubicles and other offices Kort arrived at Jeri Lawrence’s door just as she opened it to step outside. Startled, she stepped back.

“Sorry.” Kort apologized thinking it was not a good beginning. “I’m Kort Eriksen.”

The woman regained her composure quickly. “Oh yes, come on in.” Leaving the door open she indicated a chair in front of her desk. “Have a seat.” She pulled a file from the stack on her desk and quickly flipped through it. “Okay. Where are we?”

Kort briefly wondered if that was a rhetorical question or if she really expected a response. He opted for the former and sat quietly while she played with the papers in the file. She looked up at him, her face set firmly in a serious expression. “So the interview went well?”

Kort was pretty sure she already knew the answer to the question but decided to go along with her. “Yes. I have been hired. We completed my paperwork and I have to go back this afternoon to meet with the crew.”

Small frown lines appeared between Lawrence’s eyes and Kort wondered how old she was. She didn’t look much older than he was, her long blond hair pulled back from her face in a low ponytail. Dressed in gray pants and a pale blue oxford shirt tucked tightly into her pants, a matching gray jacket hanging on the back of her chair she seemed to be struggling to appear professional. “The crew?” She murmured as she continued to look through the file.

Kort glanced around the office ;there were no windows but several framed certificates and diplomas hung on the wall behind the desk. A motivational poster showed stick figures climbing a ladder to a star filled sky with the words “Climb higher, reach for the stars”as the caption. On top of the file cabinet in the corner was a framed eight-by-ten photo of Jeri Lawrence holding a large furry white cat.

“Okay I see it here now.” Her voice interrupted his thoughts and he focused on her. She nodded and looked up at him. “So here’s how it goes. For the first three months I want to see you weekly. There will be random drug tests. I may show up at your job at any time so you better be there.” She handed him a folder, “Let’s go over this. It’s a list of what you can and cannot do. If you break any rules or get into any trouble you may be re-incarcerated or fined. Is that clear so far?”

“Yes ma’am.” Kort kept his voice even, almost feeling sorry for the woman.

“Okay then. Let’s go through the rules.” With that she began to read from her copy of the documents stopping after each statement to ask if he understood.

Twenty minutes later she closed his file and pulled an appointment card from her desk drawer. “I’m setting you up to meet on Thursday mornings. If there’s a problem with your job I’ll talk to them for you so don’t give me a story about not being able to get off. You play straight with me and we’ll get along fine. You start playing games and there will be consequences. Understand?”

Amused at how awkward the words sounded coming from her, Kort simply nodded.

The frown lines returned. “Do you understand?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She stood up and began to move toward the door. Kort stood and clearing his throat asked softly, “Did you want to give me an appointment?”

The color rose in Jeri’s cheeks and she looked at the appointment card still lying on her desk. She quickly wrote a date and time on the card and handed it to Kort who accepted it wordlessly. Following her from the office he resisted the temptation to reassure her he would be no trouble. At the door to the hall she turned and extended her hand which he took and shook politely. “Next week then?”

Once again he responded with a “Yes ma’am” before slipping out into the hall.

Signing out at the desk, the officer still not looking at him, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Jeri Lawrence was not a hard ass. She was scared to death.

As he drove back toward Chad’s office he passed a store advertising cell phones at reasonable prices. He made a mental note to check on them before returning home. When he pulled back into the Riddle Construction parking lot Chad was leaning against a company truck and talking to someone inside. When he saw Kort he smiled and waved. “That was fast. Everything go okay?”

“As well as could be expected.”

“I figured we’d head up to the site and I’ll introduce you to the crew. Why don’t you follow me in your truck. I have a few places I have to run to and this way you can have one last free afternoon.”  Realizing what he said Chad felt his face grow warm. “Sorry man, I didn’t mean…”

Kort laughed and shook his head. “It’s all good. No problem.”

Chad gave Kort a few quick directions and they got into their vehicles to go to the construction site.

Chapter 11

Grace listened as the mechanic explained he would have to order a transmission. Reading the expression on her face Jerry could tell this was not good news.  He felt sorry for her. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets he took a deep breath. “Look I’ll tell you what, I have to go over to Riverview later this week. There’s a place over there I might be able to pick up a used one. Only thing is they deal in cash. If you want to either ride with me or trust me to take your money I’ll see what I can do.”

“How much?” Grace asked uncertainly.

“If you give me twelve hundred I’ll most likely bring you a few hundred back.” He watched her as she mentally calculated whether or not she could afford that much and if she trusted him enough to lay that much cash in his hand.

“Do you know what day?” Grace wasn’t sure how much it would cost her to get into an apartment and she knew she could not afford to stay in the motel. Suddenly the day seemed colder and grayer. Jerry looked from her to the diner and back.

“You’re working?”

She nodded wordlessly still struggling to calculate her funds.

“Have a place to stay?”

“I’m across the road right now but I’m looking into something less expensive.”

Jerry stared off at the mountain in the distance. His face was expressionless, no clue to what he was thinking. Sighing heavily he said, “I’ll go at the end of the week. Think you’ll have it, or at least most of it, by then?”

Grace felt her heart pounding with either relief or fear. Then she decided as she had been deciding everything recently. “Yes. I’ll have it. One way or another I will have it.”

Jerry raised one eyebrow questioningly.  “Well now don’t go and do anything foolish.”

It took her a moment to realize he meant nothing illegal and when she understood she laughed out loud. “No, nothing foolish.”

Nodding Jerry took a deep breath. “I’ll get back to you before I go. Make sure everything is still okay.”

Grace’s voice had grown soft. “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Embarrassed Jerry rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Well.”

“You have my number.” She stuck out her hand to shake and Jerry looked from it to her face uncertainly before grasping it firmly.

As Grace headed back to the diner she uttered a small prayer of gratitude. Then she chuckled. Her mother would be proud. The dining room was almost empty as most of the breakfast crowd was gone and the lunch crowd had not started yet. Jack was standing behind the register when she entered and he looked up as she approached.

“Any luck?”

“Maybe.” She told him what Jerry said and as she did she began to feel better. With a chuckle she said, “I may be around a little longer than I planned. I hope that will be okay with you.”

“Sounds great to me. Did you get the apartment thing straightened out yet?”

“That’s my project for this afternoon when I get off. If that works out I will be all set.’ Grace hesitated a moment. “I want you to know I really appreciate what you’ve done for me. And I have to tell you something; I hope it won’t change your opinion of me.”

A smile tickled the corners of Jack’s mouth. “You mean you don’t know Kort Eriksen?”

Grace’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Did he tell you?”

Jack’s smile grew wider. “Nope. But if I put two and two together it makes sense. You’re just passing through. He’s been out of town for a few years.” The smile faded slightly.

Looking around the restaurant Jack took a deep breath before continuing. “Look Grace, this is a small town. People talk. What’s that song say, talk is cheap when the story is good? Kort has had a rough time…”

Grace cut him off. “I know what happened to Kort. Well, I know the official story.”

Jack nodded. “I figured by now someone would have filled you in. It’s the biggest piece of gossip in Riddle. Have you talked to Kort about it?”

Shaking her head Grace admitted she hadn’t. “No. I probably never will unless he brings it up.” She hesitated. “Is this going to be a problem?”

Jack studied the young woman closely. “Not for me. I hope not for you and not for Kort.” With that he stood up.

“If you knew we weren’t friends why did you hire me?” Grace deftly changed the subject.

“I needed someone to work and you were honest about why you needed a job.” Jack shrugged. “It seemed as though it would be a good fit.”

“Well I appreciate it Jack.” Grace noticed an elderly couple standing at the hostess station. “I’d better get back to work.”

Jack watched her greet the customers and nodded to himself. Sometimes the things you did on the spur of the moment turned out to be good decisions. So far this looked like a good decision.

It was two thirty in the afternoon when Jack stepped up beside Grace at the hostess station and said softly, “Time to go home.”

She glanced back at the half full dining room then back at Jack. “Are you sure?”

Smiling Jack shook his head. “You’ve been here eight hours. It’s quiet now and won’t pick up again until about five. I have someone scheduled to come in at four so everything is fine. Besides I can’t have you burning out on your first day. Come in tomorrow at seven and we’ll keep your schedule Monday through Wednesday seven to three. Take Thursday off and then Friday evening from four until close about eleven. Saturday come in about ten and work until six and Sunday off. How’s that sound?”

“Fine by me,” Grace agreed readily as she mentally calculated the hours. Depending on how much the apartment would cost she might be able to get out of Riddle more quickly than she originally thought.

“Alright then Ms Grace, I’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest tonight.”

Gathering her belongings she made her way across the parking lot and stopped at the side of the road gauging the traffic before dashing across to the motel.

The motel parking lot was virtually empty, only three cars parked near the front entrance. Stifling a laugh she thought, “I guess Riddle is not a vacation hotspot.” As she considered that she realized she had never even heard of the town before she saw the highway sign the day before. Pulling open the motel door she noticed Sandy standing behind the front desk talking to the young man she had seen that morning.

Sandy offered her a big smile, “Hey there. How are you doing?”

Leaning against the counter she returned the smile. “A little tired. But I’m definitely interested in that apartment you mentioned. Do you think it would be alright to check it out this afternoon?”

Sandy glanced at the clock behind the desk and nodded. “My aunt will be there until five o’clock but let me call her just to make sure.” As Sandy made the call the young man beside her asked, “You thinking about moving to the Timbers?”

“Is that what they’re called? Sandy said they’re up the hill not far from here.”

He nodded. “Yeah you can drive it in about five minutes.”

Laughing Grace told him she was planning to walk and felt her heart drop when she caught the expression of dismay on his face. “Up that hill?” His eyes flicked over her body. “I guess if you’re in good shape. But it’s a hike.”

By that point Sandy had rejoined them. “Oh be quiet Tony. You never walk anywhere. That’s your problem.” Then turning to Grace she told her not only was her aunt there but she was expecting her. “I explained your situation. Usually they require a lease but she said she will work something out with you. Right now there is some construction going on because they are expanding.”

“I really appreciate this. I talked to Jerry and he’s going to try to get me a used transmission this week. I may not need it for more than a couple of weeks.”

“Just let her know, I’m sure…”

“If you’re going up there now I’ll give you a lift.” Tony broke in as though Sandy had not even been speaking. Sandy’s eyes widened and she shot him an annoyed look. He didn’t seem to notice and continued. “It’s no problem at all.”

Grace looked from his eager expression to Sandy questioningly. Shrugging, Sandy said, “He’s harmless.”

Still uncertain Grace bit her lip. “I would appreciate a ride but I hate to take you out of your way.” She was a little tired from the long day on her feet and the idea of walking anywhere was daunting. She needed to get into a room or apartment that would cost her less than the daily rate on the motel room.

Tony was smiling broadly, “It’s absolutely no problem. I’ll pull my car around to the front.” He took off out the front door without looking back as though everything had been settled.

“Are you sure…” A frown creased Grace’s brow as she wondered what she was getting in to.

Sandy chuckled. “It’s fine. He’s just one of those guys who tries to be everyone’s hero. He’s had a hard time making friends. His father was the high school principal up until about five years ago.”

“Did he retire?”

Sandy’s expression grew serious and she looked around carefully before answering in a lowered voice. “He committed suicide; hung himself in the school gym.”

Horrified Grace exclaimed “Oh God! How horrible.”

Sandy nodded. “Yeah. They say he never got over that girl’s murder.” Trying to lighten the mood again she added, “It will save you walking.”

Grace sighed heavily. “I have to admit a long walk is not really appealing. I haven’t been on my feet this much in years.”

Tony pulled up in front of the door and gave a small wave. “There’s your ride. I’ll call my aunt and let her know you’ll be there in a few minutes. I really hope it works out for you.”

Smiling gratefully Grace thanked her and headed out to Tony’s black Honda Civic. It seemed a strange choice for a young man and she briefly wondered if it was his or his mother’s car.  Slipping into the front seat she told Tony she appreciated the ride. “Normally I wouldn’t mind a walk but I’m not used to being on my feet as much as I was today.”

“I’m glad I could help.” He glanced at her quickly before looking back at the road. “So working in a diner is not your usual job?”

“Actually I am, I mean I was, studying to be a psychologist.” Saying it out loud sounded strange. It seemed like another lifetime. In fact it was another lifetime. There was something sadly amusing about having a Masters’ degree in Criminal Psychology and working as a hostess in a diner in a small town in the middle of nowhere.

Tony was talking about going to school and majoring in Hospitality Management but Grace was barely listening. They rode up a steep hill with tall pine trees on both sides of the two lane road. The rich scent of them filled her head. Although she was very glad she hadn’t walked she was moved by the beauty of the area. The pointy tops of the pines seemed to stab at the clear blue sky dotted with only a few puffy white clouds. The air had cooled considerably and she regretted not bringing a jacket suspecting it would be chilly when she headed back down to the inn.

Suddenly Tony turned off the road and around a curve. A complex of low buildings was set back from the road. Several large trucks were parked behind the buildings and the sounds of active construction filled the air. Pulling up in front a building with a sign that read “Management” Tony stopped the car. “Well here we are. It doesn’t look too bad.”

“It doesn’t look bad at all,” Grace agreed. “Thanks again for the ride.”

“Do you want me to wait for you?” Tony asked hesitantly.

The tone of his voice let Grace know he really didn’t want to wait. “No. I have no idea how long this might take.” Getting out of the car she smiled back at Tony and he gave another little wave as he turned the car around and drove off. 

As she entered the management office a man was exiting carrying a yellow hard hat. Smiling, he held the door for her. A middle aged woman was standing beside a desk set near the window, a big screen television on the wall opposite. “Hello. I’m Mrs. Blount, the property manager.” She extended her hand, “Do you have an appointment?”

Surprised at the woman’s strong grip Grace introduced herself. “I don’t know that it’s exactly an appointment.”

“Sandy told me you were coming. Have a seat and let’s talk.” Using a remote she turned off the television and sat down behind the desk. “So Sandy says you are in a bit of a bind.”

Sitting down across from the desk Grace nodded. “You could say that. I don’t know how much Sandy has told you…”

“She’s told me some things but I’d rather hear it from you.” A somewhat strained smile touched her mouth. “If you don’t mind.”

Something about the woman made Grace uncomfortable and she wondered if this was going to work out. Blount was so stern she felt as though she was applying for a bank loan or a job. She began to tell the older woman how she came to be in Riddle and what her situation was. Mrs. Blount nodded occasionally, encouraging her to continue. Finally Grace concluded with, “I am working and I have some private income as well. I can you assure I will be an excellent temporary tenant Mrs. Blount.”

Leaning back in her chair the manager suddenly broke into a genuine smile. “Please call me Cindy. I’m sorry if I seemed,” she hesitated, “a little harsh. Sandy is young and not always the best judge of character. And I noticed you rode up with Tony.”

Grace felt her face grow warm. “Oh that. Actually I was planning to walk but he was kind enough to offer me a ride. Being temporarily without a car is really awkward when you aren’t used to it.”