Chapter Six

Richard remained quiet as we settled in for the night. I knew he was second-guessing his choices; perhaps even regretting them. What I loved about my husband was how he plunged head first into things before digesting the information presented. At the same time what I worried about was many times this exuberant personality came with a cost… not always positive.

“Sweetheart, you seem distant. Are you having second thoughts about going in on Monday? Remember this is up to you. I won’t be upset either way.”

“Shit, they were lovers! That’s crazy. Gritty had a wife and how does that happen? I must admit it does change the probability of the situation. I don’t like the idea of fighting off some horny middle-aged man. I love the prospect of working undercover but the thought of any physical advancements sicken me. I can only hope that I can control his attitude without jeopardizing the case.”

“If it gets out of hand, quit. You don’t need to subject yourself to that. Richard; I mean it! We will figure something else out.”

“I’ll do my best. I am sure that I can handle it. Now let’s figure out how I am going to approach this.”

We ate supper and things looked different with a full belly. Richard felt that the best way to go about it was to get his bearings for the first week or so. He would familiarize himself with the employees and even get Marc to do a background check on suspicious characters. Hopefully he would. Marc being a great friend and also working at the precinct, helped me with many of my cases… although in a personal favor capacity… totally off the records. I could only hope that he would not think this was police business and therefore not get involved. But I also knew his loyalty to Richard and me. He loved living on the edge. I would call him tomorrow and fill him in on the details.

“Well, it seems like a plan,” said Richard with a renewed enthusiasm.

“The main thing is that you learn the job to perfection. That is what you were hired for! It will be as if you are working two jobs at the same time. I am worried about the load. Do you think you are up for it?”

“I thrive on excitement. I have been feeling useless since we came back from the Maritimes. Hey, I have a job again… no wait, two jobs again.”

As long as he was happy, I felt that we could pull this off. What I lacked in charm and good looks, Richard was the complete package. He would win over anyone that he came in contact with or any adversity that he might encounter. We turned off the lights and knew there was no going back.

* * * *

Marc did not want to discuss anything over the phone. He always felt that at times his phone was bugged. Paranoia was his middle name. I agreed to meet him at Nicks, our usual nesting hole.

“Where have you been man? It’s seems like forever since I’ve seen you.”

“I have been really busy with a case. That is what I need to talk to you about. Maybe you can give me some input or advice for that matter.”

“A murder, break-in, jealous lover… what’s up my friend?”

“None of the above. In fact, I don’t even know if it is a crime against the law or the imagination of a very disturbed man but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. I also might be taking on one of the largest corporations around.”

“Go on!” he said with a gleam in his eye. Once a detective, always a detective. And with Marc it was truly evident. It became more so when I started to tell him the story of Gritty.

“Adam, you’re crazy! What are you thinking? You believe a man living in a box!”

“Yes. There is something about him. I am going totally by my gut.”

“What is the case then? Is it the assumed murder of Gritty’s wife or is it loss of earning power due to his dismissal? There is not much of anything here.”

“Just say that Gritty did have a cure for a so-called disease. That is a crime against all of our human rights... placing money, let alone our trust in Invor’s hands. They control what gets out to the HPFB. The power is all theirs. They hid proof in the field of research to substantiate this cure. That’s just wrong! The number of lives that could have been saved, but no, they want the public to keep dipping deeper and deeper into their pockets, with the hope of a better life. Imagine if it were a relative of yours Marc! How would you feel knowing this?”

“I have been there. My mother died of cancer at a very early age.”

“Oh, I’m sorry; I did not know.”

“Okay, what do you want from me? I suppose you want me to dig up what I can. I will put this Gritty’s name into the system. That is his name, right!”

“No. It’s Grenville, Grenville Haze.” I hoped he gave me the right name but his track record was not looking too good about now.

“I’ll get back to you if I pull anything up. If not, there is not much else I can do.”

I guess the look on my face said it all. Marc’s eyes squinted understanding. Words were not of importance. He quickly got up to make his exit, but before leaving he said, “I know what you want. You want me to dig up stuff on Invor. Am I right?”

“Come on Marc! We always work as a team. I promise not to bother you, only if necessary.”

“You know damn well that you will be on the phone with me. How many times? How many cases? And it is always the same! Anyway, I’ve got to run. You show me something substantial… something that I can use to unfold some crime in the form of corruption, and then my friend we will talk. Kapish?”

“I understand but if I can pull up something, will you help?”

“You know I will! I just said I would! Give me a call Adam when you have something more to go on. Bye for now.”

* * * *

I felt the need to check in on Gritty. Lexus and he were head to head over some recipe that they were testing. The usual bickering followed. I could not help but notice how close they were getting. They were like an old married couple. Their familiarity with one another was just that, familiar. He looked at her as if she were a goddess. Hell, I knew that feeling when it came to Lexus. She was a woman one did not forget easily. She was a strong presence and people wanted to be around her.

“What are you cooking up now?”

“Hi Adam. You are just in time for lunch. Pull up a chair.”

“Don’t mind if I do!”

“Do you like Gritty’s new look?” asked Lexus with pride.

I hadn’t noticed but I looked closer and realized that he was letting his hair grow out. The tips seemed to have been highlighted with a blond shimmer. Oh my, she was at it again. Lexus could not let well enough alone. She figured if she changed you; she somehow owned you. She was marking her territory. And unfortunately or fortunately for Gritty he was her object of attention. He also was dressed to perfection, new clothes and shoes.

“Wow, young fella! I did not notice but you really do look outstanding. You do know now that you have given her Carte Blanche … this is only a sample of what is yet to come,” I said teasingly. The look that they gave each other was beyond familiarity. It was one of adoration or perhaps passion. Shit, Lexus please don’t go there. Leave him alone!

“Adam how’s the case coming along?” she asked.

It took me a while to answer but I quickly averted my thoughts. “Nothing much happening other than Richard begins work at Invor on Monday. I must admit he is not looking forward to it. Mr. Forth seems to have spooked him out a little. He does not want to fight off some horny middle-aged guy.”

“Don’t worry about that! Richard is not his type. Good looking as he is, Forth loves bears.”

“And what is a bear?” Lexus asked inquisitively.

“Bears are a type of gay, usually of burley stature. Richard is much too thin and clean cut. And that being said, let’s have some lunch. I am famished,” said Gritty as if he owned the place.

We ate a wonderful meal consisting of Croque Monsieur, followed by my favorite dessert Pudding Chomeur. Wow, was all I could say! It was delicious. These two were going to be great culinary compliments to each other. I would definitely stop by more often.

I said my goodbyes and as I was walking down the hall I noticed the door to Lexus’ room was open and there for all to see were two bathrobes, his and hers. No wonder they were so happy. I worried that Lexus might be getting in deeper than she bargained for. This was no ordinary man… he was living the streets and with a past yet to be discovered. Having a late night fling was one thing but risking your safety was another. I would talk with her when we had a moment alone but I knew she would not listen. So it would seem our Mr. Haze swung both ways.

My cell was vibrating and I answered it thinking it might be Richard. “Okay, I’ll be there in five.” It was Marc and something was up. Something serious! His voice sounded really upset. As I headed toward Nick’s I placed a call to Richard to tell him what was happening. He wanted to meet us and I told him I’d catch up with him later. Marc said it was personal and he wanted to meet with me as unobtrusively as possible. I could hear the sulk in Richard’s voice but he agreed to delay supper as long as I told him everything.

I agreed.

* * * *

Winter was turning to spring. Nick’s was starting to take on an almost summer crowd atmosphere. It was fast approaching happy hour and the clientele were lost in chatter which seemingly defaced the gloom of the outgoing season. There were a few new faces and the familiar ones took ownership of their favorite seats as if they were nailed to them. The smell of chicken wings and the clattering of beer mugs made it a very appealing place to be. I relished in it. Looking over the mass I saw a hand gesturing me to go over.

“Thanks for coming. I have information that might change your mind about taking on this case.”

“Nothing will change my mind. What do you have?”

“Didn’t you tell me that Gritty had a wife that was hit while crossing the street?”

“Yes, that’s right. She supposedly fell into the street, standing too close to the edge. Gritty is sure she was pushed.”

He slowly reached into his briefcase and pulled out a file. “I’m not sure you will be pleased with my findings but this is what I uncovered. Adam, you must never show this to anyone. It is private police business and I could lose my job if they suspected that I released this information.” He slowly slid the file across the table. I wanted to grab but that might have startled him. I am sure it took a lot of courage and concern on his part to come forth with this. I reached and opened it as if checking for the price on a book cover. My heart was racing with anticipation. What could he possibly know? I began reading.

I almost shouted in disbelief. “That’s impossible! Are you sure this is the correct file?” I frantically started to search the folder for a date. “Perhaps you have someone else? This is not him?”

“I hate to burst your bubble, but with a name like that… there is only one Grenville Haze, born in Grenville during that time period. It’s him, plain and simple! Check the last page. His picture is there somewhere.”

It was him alright. A younger version but it was definitely Gritty. The feelings of betrayal started to surface. I believed in this man. Did Gritty think if he made it more believable I would take on his case? That’s crazy, because he did not want me to start a case. That was totally my idea. What the hell then?

“Adam, I am pretty tight with the arresting cop on duty that night. Do you want me to talk with him and get a clearer insight as to what really happened? He might have noticed something that could be crucial to the case.”

“Case! There’s no more case. I’m done. I hate being lied to. I’ve been there before and it won’t happen again, I’ve got to go now. I am not very good company. I feel sick to my stomach.”

“You stay away from Lexus and the house. Cool down before approaching anyone. Think about it and then plan your next move. Are we clear on that?”

“Yeah, loud and clear! Marc I’ll touch base with you tomorrow. And thanks. I really do appreciate your finding this information; I’m just really pissed.”

The fresh air hit me and the knowledge of what I had just attained was reeling around in my head. How could it be? No wife! Gritty was never married. Why the need to lie? There was a file opened at the precinct on the day in question but it was he who was the perpetrator. I am sick with the allegations made against him. She refused to press charges but then again that happens most times in cases of that nature.

Gritty had supposedly assaulted a woman and then pushed her to the curb. Well, one thing was accurate: there was a curb and there was a woman.

There was just no wife.