Undying Rage Nightclub

  Jack finishes serving two young women at the bar and moves to serve an older gentleman waiting alone at the opposite end. However, before Jack can offer the solemn man a salutation, Derren slips in and takes the lead instead.

  "I'll handle the drinks for a while, Jack. Why don't you go and check on all our other guests? Make sure everyone is feeling the right groove tonight, okay?"

  "Yes, Sir," Jack responds, removing his apron and placing it on the countertop.

  After Jack is gone, Derren turns his full attention on his uncommon patron.

  "Well, hello...Mayor Gunther. It's been a long time since you've graced me with your presence. To what do I owe the pleasure? I saw what happened to Evelyn on the news. It's a tragedy. I just can't believe it. That Mackey fella should rot in hell. I hope they arrest his murdering ass and throw the book at him."

  "You lying bastard!" Simon hisses. "You're mixed up in this, Derren. I know you are. I don't know how Detective Mackey got mixed up with your kind. I thought he was a straight shooter. But...I'm going to find out. Evelyn was my daughter, Derren. You had no right. I don't care how many times you screwed her mother. She was my daughter."

  Anger flares up within Derren and he leans across the counter. Snagging Mayor Gunther's tie in one hand, Derren draws him close.

  "You must be out of your damned mind, Simon! Coming in here and making threats. This is my club. I own everything and everyone in here. Right now...That includes your raggedy ass. And how is that...You might ask? Because of what I know about people. Their habits...Their vices...Their casual indiscretions. People come in here when they want safety from what haunts them. When they want to hide from the little voices in their head which convict them. A bottle of tequila here...A shot of vodka there...And it all goes away. For a little while, anyway. Then, it's back tomorrow. Rinse and repeat. I know what keeps you up at night, Simon. But don't worry. Your secrets are safe with me. As long as you don't come in here running your stupid mouth again. If you're real good. I'll even send you a real sweet honey to soothe your weary soul. I promise...I had nothing to do with what happened to Evelyn. You have my word."

  Derren releases the mayor's tie and makes a point of straightening the man's now rumpled shirt. He offers Simon a condescending grin.

  "Now...Get the hell out of my bar! I'll call you."

  Simon Gunther nods without saying another word. What is there to say? Embarrassed, and trying hard to remain inconspicuous, Simon exits the club via a back door.

  -

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  -

  Rachel Corbin's Apartment

  Rachel turns over on the bed to find that Ned still has not joined her. Voices suddenly waft to her ears and Rachel strains to hear who is speaking. Is that the television or is someone in the apartment? The voices cease after a few moments. Rachel's tired mind urges her to go back to sleep.

  -

  -

  Mueller Mobile Home Park

  Mackey Residence

  James is still awake an hour before sunset. A mug of coffee sits on the kitchen table, beside his left hand. By now, the coffee is quite cold and undrinkable. According to the detective. He stares at the information on his laptop screen with keen interest.

  "Naomi was a dancer alright. Just not of the highly favored variety. Where did you pick her up, Simon? What's the connection. Exactly two months from the time he claims they met...Till they got married. Little Evelyn was born...Only two months later. Not very neat, Simon. But I guess most people aren't looking for plot holes in a romantic story about rags to riches. They love their hero worship."

  "James...Are you okay?" Madison says, quietly slipping into the kitchen. "I heard your voice and thought--. Ha. I should be used to your inner monologues by now. I'm just a bit jumpy...I guess. I was expecting the worst."

  "Come here, Maddie," James states in a soft reassuring voice. "Come sit with me. I could use the company."

  "Alright," Madison replies.

  The harried young woman takes a seat in a chair facing James. However, after a moment, she stands up and moves her chair closer. Madison and James sit barely two feet apart. She stares into his eyes--fear and longing tugging at her heart.

  "What did you find?" Madison asks, shifting her gaze to James' laptop.

  "More of Simon Gunther's sloppily hidden past. It's a wonder what you can find when you have the time and the right amount of currency. His first wife...Naomi was a well-known exotic dancer and uh. Well...When I say she was well-known...She was uh. She traveled around a lot. Foreign dignitaries, rich CEOs, hotel owners, airline pilots. You name it. Naomi was mixed up in it all. A while back, Simon managed to knock Naomi up. He got her pregnant...Flew her back to the states and married her in a shotgun courthouse wedding. Paid to have a lot of Naomi's public records either expunged or sealed. But, like I told you...There are ways. He also claimed to be Evelyn's stepfather. Paternity proves otherwise."

  "What about the girl? I mean, what about Evelyn?" Madison insists, gripping James' right hand in both of hers. "Why would someone want to kill her? And why go through all the trouble of trying to frame you, James? The guy with the trenchcoat? The man claiming to be you? Why? Who is he? Do you have any idea at all?"

  "I'm working on that, Maddie," James says, leaning close and kissing Madison's forehead. "One thing at a time. I don't want to get sidetracked trying to do too many things at once. I'm sure, with enough patience, the pieces will come together. They always do. I have a strong hunch Naomi's past is where the clue lies."

  "Okay, James," Madison replies, squeezing her husband's hand. "Okay."

  Jamie Junior's trembling cry halts Madison before she can give James a kiss. She smiles weakly.

  "Better go check the baby. I think, he's due for a diaper change about now. Be right back."

  "I'll be right here," James says with a warm smile.

  Madison is unable to help herself. She wraps both arms around James' neck and kisses him intensely.

  "You'd better be," Madison whispers, standing up from her chair.

  James watches Madison stroll from the kitchen, his smile refusing to fade. Once she is out of the room, he goes back to his research.