IN THE BEGINNING, this had been a routine bit of business that Tanner had to dispose of. Now it had become personal. Tanner picked up his cell phone and dialed Diane's cell number.
One of the marines to whom Kelly had given their cell phones answered. 'There you are, baby.
How would you two like to have a big treat tonight?' The bitches have gotten rid of their phones.
IT WAS A cheap-looking boardinghouse on a small street on the West Side. When the taxi started to pass it and Diane and Kelly saw the sign vacancy, Diane said, 'You can stop here, driver.' The women got out and walked up to the front door of the house.
The landlady, who opened the door, was a pleasant, middle-aged woman named Alexandra Upshaw.
'I can give you a very nice room for forty dollars a night, with breakfast.' Diane said, 'That will be fine.' She looked at Kelly's expression. 'What's the matter?' 'Nothing.' Kelly closed her eyes for an instant. This boarding-house had nothing to do with the boardinghouse she had been brought up in, cleaning toilets and cooking for strangers and listening to the sounds of her drunken stepfather beating her mother. She managed a smile.
'It's okay.'
THE NEXT MORNING, Tanner was in a meeting with Flint and Carballo. 'They've disposed of my business cards,' Tanner said, 'and they've gotten rid of their phones.' Flint said, 'So, we've lost them.' Tanner said, 'No, Mr. Flint, not while I'm alive. We're not going after them.
They're coming to us.' The two men looked at each other, then back at Tanner.
'What?' 'Diane Stevens and Kelly Harris will be here at KIG Monday morning at eleven-fifteen.'
CHAPTER 31
KELLY AND DIANE awakened at the same time. Kelly sat up in bed and looked over at Diane.
'Good morning. How did you sleep?'
'I had some crazy dreams.' 'So did I.' Diane hesitated. 'Kelly-when you got off the elevator at the hotel, just as I started to knock at the door of the penthouse-do you think that was a coincidence?' 'Of course. And lucky for both of us that-' Kelly looked at Diane's face. 'What do you mean?' Diane said carefully, 'We've been very lucky so far. I mean, very lucky. It's as though-as though someone, or something, is helping us, guiding us.' Kelly's eyes were fastened on her. 'You mean-like a guardian angel?' 'Yes.' Kelly said patiently, 'Diane, I know that you believe in those things, but I don't. I know I don't have an angel on my shoulder.' Diane said, 'You just don't see it yet.' Kelly rolled her eyes. 'Right.' 'Let's get some breakfast,' Diane suggested. 'It's safe here. I think we're out of danger.' Kelly grunted. 'If you think we're out of danger, you don't know anything about boardinghouse breakfasts. Let's get dressed and eat out. I think I saw a diner at the corner.' 'All right. I have to make a call.' Diane walked over to the telephone and called a number.
An operator came on. 'KIG.'
'I'd like to speak to Betty Barker.'
'Just a moment, please.' Tanner had seen the blue light and was listening in on the conference line.
'Miss Barker is not at her desk. Can I take a message?' 'Oh. No, thanks.' Tanner frowned. Too quick to put out a trace.
DIANE TURNED TO Kelly. 'Betty Barker is still working at KIG, so we'll just have to find a way to get to her.' 'Maybe her home number is listed in the telephone directory.' Diane said, 'It could be, and the line could be tapped.' She picked up the directory next to the telephone and skimmed to the letter she was looking for. 'She is listed.' Diane dialed a number, listened, and slowly replaced the receiver.
Kelly walked over to her. 'What's the matter?' It took Diane a moment to answer. 'Her phone has been disconnected.' Kelly took a deep breath. 'I think I want a shower.'
AS KELLY FINISHED her shower and started to leave the bathroom, she realized that she had left towels on the floor. She hesitated a moment, then picked them up and put them neatly on the rack.
She walked into the bedroom. 'All yours.' Diane nodded absently. 'Thanks.' The first thing Diane noticed when she walked into the bathroom was that all the used towels had been placed back on the rack. Diane smiled.
She stepped into the shower and let the warm water soothe her. She remembered how she used to shower with Richard, and how good their bodies felt touching each other… Never again. But the memories would always be there. Always.
..
THERE WERE THE flowers.
'They're beautiful, darling. Thank you. What are we celebrating?' 'Saint Swithin's Day.' And more flowers.
'Washington Crossing the Delaware Day.'
'National Parakeet Day.'
'Celery Lovers' Day.' When the note with the roses said 'Leaping Lizards' Day,' Diane had laughed and said,
'Sweetheart, lizards don't leap.' And Richard had put his head in his hands and said, 'Damn it! I was misinformed.' And he loved to write love poems to her. When Diane was getting dressed, she would find one in her shoes, or in a bra, or in a jacket…
And there was the time he had come home from work and she was standing inside the door, completely naked, except for a pair of high-heeled shoes. And she had said, 'Darling, do you like these shoes?' And his clothes had dropped to the floor and dinner was delayed. TheyKelly's voice called out, 'Are we going to have breakfast or dinner?'
THEY WERE WALKING to the restaurant. The day was cool and clear, and the sky was a translucent blue.
'Blue skies,' Diane said. 'A good omen.' Kelly bit her lip to keep from laughing. Somehow, Diane's superstitions seemed endearing.
A few doors from the diner, Diane and Kelly passed a small boutique. They looked at each other, grinned, and walked inside.
A saleslady approached them. 'May I help you?' Kelly said enthusiastically, 'Yes.' Diane warned, 'Let's take it easy. Remember what happened the last time.' 'Right. No spree.' The two of them went through the store, picking out a modest number of necessities. They left their old clothes in the dressing room.
'Don't you want to take these?' the saleslady asked.
Diane smiled. 'No. Give them to Goodwill.'
