Malicious Desires

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I arrived back at the office with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step. Frank watched me as I went to my desk and logged on to my computer. I glanced at him.

“Yes?”

“Oh, Sammy. You look like you have a glow about you!”

I kept my eyes on my computer and attempted to wipe the grin off my face.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” How does he always know when I get lucky?

“I’d bet the kid would be disappointed to hear that.”

I eyed him. “I’m going to go grab a burger at Mad Madeline’s. Want to join me? My treat,” I asked.

“Your treat? How can I pass that up?”

We walked down the street, put our orders in at the window and took a seat outside.

“I’m going to head back over to Wally’s and stakeout his place,” I said.

“Sounds like a plan, since we don’t have much else to go on.”

“I wanted to get a look inside to see if there are any signs of Michael.”

“Oh, now I understand why you invited me to lunch.” He moved to fetch our order.

“I need back up. What if he comes home and finds me snooping around?”

“You’re planning on going in? Like breaking in?” Not only is that a bad idea, but it’s also illegal. It’s called breaking and entering.”

“How else can I confirm Michael has been there? He could be in there right now!”

“How about just snooping around outside? Nothing illegal about that, as long as you don’t get caught.”

“Well, I guess I can do that first.”

“All right. I’ll go with you. I can’t afford to have you tossed in the tank.”

We ate quickly then headed back to Frank’s truck. In a few short minutes, we found ourselves parked down the street from Wally’s, searching for any movement.

“I’m going to see if the car’s in the garage,” I gingerly jumped out of the truck.

“I’ll keep watch. Stay out of trouble.”

I went to the other side of the street and casually walked to the corner, looking for any sign that someone was home. The blinds were closed on the front windows, so I walked up the driveway and attempted to see inside the garage through the small windows.

Being five foot five is not an advantage in this job. To see into the garage, I’d have to be tall… I’m talking basketball player tall. I was pretty sure that wouldn’t happen to me in this lifetime, so I had to find another way. I went through the gate to see if the door that led into the garage was open. I turned the knob slowly and pushed open the door. The car was gone, so I hurried inside to check for any evidence of a teenager. As I looked around, I spotted the door that led to the house. The knob turned easily, and as I opened the door, I could almost hear Frank telling me not to do it. Remember, it’s called breaking and entering.” I shook it off and went inside.

The house was a small one story with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Dark brown leather couches and a huge television with a lot of gaming equipment filled the living area. A ceiling fan with a big light in the center went around and around, providing a slight breeze. There was a tall lamp between a couch and easy chair and aside from an oversized clock on the wall, it was void of any decorations. The gaming setup made me wonder if this was the norm for a twenty-nine-year-old single guy, or if it was just a great way to bait sixteen-year-old kids. The games all seemed to have the theme of fast cars, guns, and violence. What kid wouldn’t find that fun?

I walked back to the bedrooms and took a quick inventory, looking for any signs of a teenager. The furniture in each room was sparse - a mattress on the floor and a cheap old dresser in some type of dark wood. The makeshift bed was unmade with sheets and blankets intertwined. The spare bathroom was disgusting. Mildew coated the shower and toilet and smelly towels sat on the floor - which didn’t tell me much except that whoever was staying here had a strong stomach to be able to live in this filth.

Moving back through the living room, I had noticed a dark green backpack between the couch and easy chair. I eased the zipper down and found a change of clothes, swim trunks, and a piece of paper with Wally’s name, address, and phone number stashed in a copy of The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. I slipped the paper in my pocket and with my heart beating fast, I flipped the book open. Inside of the front cover, in block letters it said, Property of Michael Carson.

I couldn’t believe it. With the book in hand, I zipped up the backpack, set it back where I’d found it, and headed for the door. Once outside, I carefully closed the gate and walked across the neighbor’s front yard and back to the sidewalk. I quickly slipped into the truck with Frank’s help.

“We’ve got him!”

“Where the hell were you? I was about to come looking for you.”

“Frank, look at this.” I opened the book.

“Where’d you find that?”

I glanced at Frank’s face. “I can’t tell you.”

“You didn’t…”

“No. I did not break in.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Then where’d you find this?”

“In a backpack.”

“Where was the backpack?”

“On the floor.”

“Outside?”

“No.”

“Oh, s**t, Sam. You broke in!”

“No, I didn’t. The door was unlocked. I just walked through the unlocked door to get a look around.”

Frank rolled his eyes and started the engine. As we drove out of the neighborhood, the metallic blue sports car sped past us in the opposite direction.

I eyed Frank and took in a deep breath. “That could’ve been bad.”

“Damn right that could’ve been bad!”

“Hey, you said time was of the essence! I’m doing what I have to do.”

Frank was silent the rest of the ride back, and I found myself re-thinking my logic.

“I was just following my instincts,” I said, once back inside the office.

“I know,” Frank said, staring at his computer. “I just worry about you.”

“You do?” I smiled.

“Don’t make me say it again, Sam.”

“Okay. So, what now? We have solid evidence Michael is here, and Wally is the reason.”

“We’re going to have to follow him and see if we can locate Michael. I didn’t see anyone in the car with him, did you?”

“No, but he was going pretty fast. It was a blur.”

“Did you move anything? We don’t want him to get suspicious.”

“No. The place was disgusting. I didn’t touch anything except the zipper to the backpack. When I saw the book, I wanted to see if there was anything inside… like a note or something. I was so excited when I saw Michael’s name, I grabbed the book, zipped the backpack and headed out.”

“Okay. Good.”

“I’m going back to stakeout Wally. We know he’s home, so if he heads out, I’ll stay with him and see if he leads me to Michael.”

“I can’t tag along this time, so stay out of trouble.”

“No worries, Frank. I’ve got this.”

I parked the Jeep down the street and searched for signs of movement as I thumbed through his file. As I pondered over what I knew about him so far, I was even more confused. He’d been in all kinds of legal trouble. Apparently, he was a big gamer, and for some reason, it appeared he’d lured a teenage boy from his home. And that car! Frank had said it was worth two-hundred thousand dollars. The house he lived in wasn’t even worth that!

There were so many conflicting factors, I couldn’t make sense of it. I wasn’t concerned because it was the beginning of the investigation and each case was a puzzle. With this puzzle, I didn’t have any pieces that fit…not yet anyway. I knew if I kept working, something would begin to fit into place, and hopefully, I could gather all the pieces and solve the case. It was all about patience and perseverance. My only concern at the moment was finding the missing teenager and getting him home.

After sitting in the Jeep for hours and trying to stay awake, with no movement from Wally, I was beginning to wonder if I should’ve taken the chance to check for his car. It was approaching 5:00 PM and the sun was going down. It would be getting dark soon, and there was a chill in the air. The temperature would drop faster now. All I could think about was that I was already cold and loud noises were coming from my stomach. If I didn’t see some action soon, I’d have to bail to get a jacket and some food.

My cell bounced around on the passenger seat. “Hi, Frank.”

“How are you holding up?”

“I’m so bored, I’m ready to poke my eyes out with some sharp sticks.”

“So, it’s going well?”

“I’m cold and hungry.”

“Stay put. I’ll bring you something to eat. Any requests?”

“At this point, I’ll eat anything. But since you asked, a roast beef sub from Campini’s would be great.”

“Hold on. I’m on my way.”

I started the car, turned on the heater, and scanned the dial for a decent radio station, hoping the diversion would keep me from thinking about how hungry I was. I’d finished my water bottle long ago and was now starting to feel panicked about how thirsty I was. I’d never make it if I got lost in the desert. Here I was, sitting in my Jeep with the ability to drive anywhere, and I felt like I was going to die of dehydration. Geez, I’m a wuss.

Waiting for Frank’s arrival must’ve distracted me because all of a sudden, I saw the metallic blue Ferrari fly out of the driveway. I followed behind, knowing it would only be a matter of time before Wally would be zig-zagging his way through traffic. I just hoped I wouldn’t be left behind.

He moved into the casino parking lot and I stayed on his tail as he drove into the three-story garage and parked. I sent a quick text to Frank letting him know where I was.

Wally got out of his car and looked around as if he were waiting for someone, but after five minutes, he strode to the elevator.

I was intent on not losing him, but realized I’d followed too close; he held the elevator door for me as I approached. I hadn’t planned on getting in with him, but it would’ve seemed awkward if I didn’t; the stairs were in the other direction. As we descended, I took a closer look.

Wally was, indeed, very fit and well put together. He didn’t resemble the video game obsessive in a ripped T-shirt and faded blue jeans I’d imagined. He wore pressed black Chinos and a red polo shirt. His light brown hair had been carefully combed back away from his sparkling green eyes and he smelled delicious. When the elevator came to a stop, he shot me a smile.

Somewhat reluctantly, I smiled back. Charming was the only word that came to mind.

When the doors opened, he held back a large group of Japanese tourists to let me exit before him. Once outside, he picked up his pace, heading toward the casino. He glanced back at me as an afterthought. “Good luck.”

I nodded. “You, too.” You’re going to need it.

As he moved through the casino, I attempted to stay on his tail without getting so close he’d realize I was there. Luckily, the place was hopping and I didn’t think he’d be able to find someone, even if he was actually looking for them. At this point, I was just hoping he wouldn’t head back to the high roller room.

Wally stopped to speak with one of the poker dealers while I tried to look busy at a slot machine across the way. As I watched him, all I could think about was how crazy this smoke-filled atmosphere was, with all the activity and the bells and whistles sounding constantly. It felt like it was an alternate reality, waiting to lure me in.

In an instant, Wally was on the move again but at a much slower pace. He no longer seemed like he was in a big hurry and it made me wonder what the poker dealer had said to him. He climbed a flight of stairs, headed to the round bar that overlooked the casino floor and took a seat.

I couldn’t keep an eye on him from the bottom floor, so I climbed up the stairs and found a small table on the opposite side with a clear view of him. As I took a seat, I heard my phone buzzing inside my purse, and I reached for it.

“Hello?” I said quietly, keeping my eyes on Wally.

“Were you able to stick with him?”

“You bet. I’ve got eyes on him right now.”

“Where are you?”

“There’s a round bar on the second floor, looking over the casino.”

“I’m heading up.”

The waitress asked if I wanted anything and I told her I was waiting for someone.

“I’ll come back.” She moved on to the next table.

Frank emerged from the stairs, scanning the bar. I could see that he had eyes on Wally. He moved toward me and leaned in as if to kiss me.

“You mean an air kiss is all you’ve got?”

“Don’t tempt me, Sam. Oh, and your sub is in my truck.”

“Good. I’m starving.”

We both ordered a virgin margarita and waited for Wally to make a move. He nursed a beer and kept checking his phone.

Frank dug in his pocket for his wallet. “He’s waiting to hear from someone. We’d better settle up so we’re ready when he gets his call.”

Wally casually glanced around the bar, spotted me, and sent me a nod.

“What was that?” His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized my reaction. “s**t, Sam. This could be a problem.”