Masquerade
Part 8
Continued...
Picking up speed Joey allowed the
car to fully open up and raced back to the office, the racing again helping him
keep his worries at bay. Perhaps Lundy would be there when he returned. They were partners, and it was hard watching
Lundy seem so much happier with Gutierrez than with himself. What was causing his partners
withdrawal? “God, back to that
question again, LaFiamma,” he
taunted himself. Didn’t have an answer
the first time around, I doubt this time will be any better. It seemed every time Lundy even looked at
him he went ballistic. Well today would
be over soon, and it was already Wednesday.
He’d have the entire weekend to think of a plan, and they would have a
case, so they would be together. If he
couldn’t come up with an answer by then, he wasn’t a very good detective, he
reasoned.
Leaving his Alpha, he looked first
for the Jimmy and seeing it, he then searched for Gutierrez’s Oldsmobile. Not finding it he assumed that they had not
returned, and there was only forty minutes left of the day. Jealous that his partner had a case, he
hurried back to the office and sat, again avoiding everyone, including Lt.
Beaumont, who kept looking at him from her office. Finally not being able to stand the looks any longer, he headed
in her direction, and opening the door again that day, said, “I’m fine
Lieutenant. Don’t worry.”
“I was just wondering how it went
returning the money. I assumed you
wouldn’t do anything foolish, like drive when you weren’t supposed to if you
were not doing pretty well,” she responded.
A sheepish look coming over his face
at the misunderstanding, he said “It went fine Lieutenant.” then quickly
returned to his desk.
As he poured over another file, making
sure all the i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed, his concentration was broken,
when Levon stormed in, furious and shouting.
“That the new car LaFiamma?”
“Hey can I...........” Joe Bill
started.
Looking up, LaFiamma replied, “The
Alpha, Yeah. Got a problem?”
“I sure as hell do,” Levon shot
back, as the rest of the department tuned in to the fight brewing.
“So?”
“Damn
ya LaFiamma. It’s *$%$* blue.”
“So?”
“You know SO. Ya cain’t be drivin’ it.”
“You gonna stop me Cowboy?”
“Can I se.........” Joe Bill tried
to cut in to diffuse the mounting tension only to be completely ignored.
“Try me,” Levon snapped. If it weren’t against the law I’d take a
crowbar ta that thing you’re calling a car.”
“Try it, and die. Simple.” LaFiamma threw out, thoroughly
angered. He needed that car, and no
one, especially not his Texas partner was gonna deny him. Standing, he took a threatening step toward
Levon, then realized why his partner was so upset. Looking quickly around the office, he lowered his voice, and
moving in close as Lundy tensed for a punch, fear in his eyes, said “I
understand. Nothing is going ta
happen. Trust me?”
Matching LaFiamma in tone, Levon
responded, “It better not, cause if it does you’ll not live through it.”
“Great statement. Lundy,” LaFiamma
taunted. “Any more brilliant words to
add?”
“Fer now, LaFiiiiiaaaaama, why don’t
we just drop it, but I’m watchin’ ya boy.”
“Okay last try, guys,” Joe Bill
finally broke in. “Can I see the car
you’re fighting over? And Lundy why the
problem?”
“After works over, Joe Bill,”
LaFiamma said, a smile again touching his face as he thought of showing off his
beauty. Sure was better than dating in
some ways. Cars never wanted anything
from him.
“Nothin’ Joe Bill. Nothin’” Levon said, quietly taking his seat
opposite LaFiamma. “Maybe ya can figure
it out after work.”
“Fine. Just asking,” he said
then took a deep breath and spoke the words that everyone wanted answers
to. “You two have been at each others
throats for days now. What gives?”
Watching the two partners turn to
stare at one another as if they had only just met, was comical to the force, as
both said, “NO WE HAVEN”T!” in unison, then sat in their respective chairs
refusing to look at each other again.
“Dios Mio! Lundy was okay with me
today. Must be the Italian blood that
riles him up. He was so calm before the
advent of “..how did you call him Levon, he shouted...... “Oh yeah, the Chicago
Twister,” he finished smiling at the rest of the office.
Seeing Carol shake her head
slightly, Gutierrez dropped into his seat, wishing he had kept his mouth
shut. Normally this would’ve been
funny, but now was not the time, and he was right when LaFiamma loudly
remarked, “Chicago Twister. Funny
Lundy.” Then yelling “ I’m outta here,
Lieutenant,” he opened the top drawer of his desk and removed the tape he’d
found earlier. One thing he had learned
was you never knew when you might need some inspiration.
The garage was close, but he didn’t
make it out of the bullpen before Joe Bill grabbed his arm and stopped him
saying, “You’re not getting outta here til I see that new car.”
“I have to second that,” Gutierrez
added rising to join Joe Bill. Catching
a quick glimpse of Lundy, he stopped his progress and turned. “Lundy.
Hey Lundy. Levon?” he muttered,
moving to the deathly pale mans side.
“You don’t look so good.
Somethin’ wrong?”
Receiving no answer, Esteban yelled,
“Somebody get the station nurse,” as he knelt by Levon’s side and gathered his
wrist to check for a pulse, only to have his hand knocked aside by a frantic
LaFiamma.
“I’ll take care o’ him. You get help,” he shouted, louder than he
intended, then softly reached up to touch Levon’s cheek, pleased to note that
his lips twitched slightly. Remembering
where he was he softly said, “Lundy, hey Lundy. It’s me LaFiamma.
Come on, talk to
me. Things’ll be
fine. Just fine,” he kept murmuring until Lundy started to respond
slightly.
“La...LaFiamma, you’re here?”
“Yeah. You okay man? Ya look awfully
pale.”
Shaking his head to clear it, Lundy
looked at LaFiamma kneeling by his side, during the aftermath of his panic
attack, the likes of which he hadn’t had since the beating. Interpreting the look in his partners eyes as
fear, Levon shakily said, “Fine. Reckon
I shouldn’t have had the Mexican for lunch.
Ribs are safer.” Then looked at LaFiamma again to see his partners eyes
mask directly in front of him.
“Glad ta hear it. Ya want me ta drive ya home tonight?” LaFiamma questioned.
“No.
I’ll be fine,” he said as the nurse entered the door, a
running Gutierrez directly behind her.
“I got the nurse, LaFiamma. How’s
Lundy?” Gutierrez questioned.
Looks like he’ll be fine. Says it has to do with Mexican food for
lunch,” Joey smirked as he watched the nurse move to Levon’s side as he rose to
allow her room. He didn’t say another
word as she examined a very short tempered Lundy, who wanted nothing at all to
do with her questions.
Soon she finished, saying “Just get
some rest. You’ll be fine.” and left
the office.
Embarrassed at his spell, Levon
hurriedly said, “I’m fine would ya’ll quit lookin’ at me. I told ya it was the Mexican food.”
Taking his cue the group returned to
their desks to finish clearing up for the day.
Lundy too, began to steadily straighten his desk, just to avoid looking
at anyone, when LaFiamma leaned over and whispered, “Wanna tell me what the panic attack was about?”
A hissed, “NO!” greeted his well
intentioned remark and taking Lundy at face value in light of his recent mood
LaFiamma spoke up loudly, “Anyone wanting to see the new car before I head home
needs to come now, cause I’m outta here for the night. I’ve got places to be.” Then giving Lundy one more piercing look, he
left the office, hoping that Levon had forgotten about the tape he’d tucked in
his pocket.
While he was showing off his new hot
rod to Joe Bill, Esteban, and a group of admiring men Lundy was sitting at his
desk berating himself for losing his calm in front of his fellow officers. Hell, he hadn’t had an attack of these
proportions since two weeks after the beatings. Even Sheila Lamont and her bed games hadn’t brought on a real
panic attack. While he knew that she
and that case were the main reason he was still having nightmares and fighting
non-stop with LaFiamma, something else had triggered the reaction and it had
been so strong he was having trouble pinpointing just what the cause was.
Taking another deep breath, Lundy
finally pulled himself away from his desk and made his way to the garage, just
in time to see his partner drive off waving over his shoulder to those still
admiring the Alpha, the highly polished midnight blue paint glinting brightly
in the early evening sun, then immediately he was gunning the engine and roaring away before most of them had time
to register he was gone.
As he saw his partner speed away,
Levon’s knees began to buckle, and he leaned heavily on the Jimmy as it dawned
on him what had caused his attack a few moments ago. LaFiamma had had a tape with him. That damn tape.....or was it?
How many people had two tapes made that were identical. Maybe he was imagining things. Taking another deep breath, he silently
reminded himself to breathe, as he told himself that it was just a figment of
his imagination. No one after a car
accident like the one his partner had just been through would purposely do it
again. No, he added, as he opened the
Jimmy’s door and turned on the engine, LaFiamma had family coming down, and he
seemed to be doin’ just fine. It sure didn’t
seem fair, but that was the way it seeded to be. He was a wreck, and his partner, for whatever reason just wasn’t
near as upset as he was. Okay, Joey had been raped before but that
shouldn’t make it easy to deal with.
Damn the man, so many things were working out for him, and here he
was living alone with the memories of
his wife, not dating anyone, scared to sleep, and refusing to even think about
the last case. If it weren’t for Fooler
he’d be alone. Haunted and alone. STOP IT LEVON ELMER LUNDY! He mentally
screamed at himself. You’re no more
alone than anyone else. There’s Mother
Minnie, Joanne, the force, the horse, and LaFiamma. No matter how hard he was
pushing the man away, when push came to shove he feared, no knew, that LaFiamma
would be there to push back, just like he had when they were first working
together. LaFiamma wouldn’t let him
retreat forever, like he had tried to when his wife died, and again after the
beating. LaFiamma was pushy. He’d been pushy forever, and deep down, near
his heart Lundy knew that the pushing was keeping him alive. Givin’ him an anchor when he wanted to just
float away. LaFiamma would always be
there for him, he knew that for sure.
The case had brought them closer then ever, and now when he really
needed the man he was resorting to all his bad habits and pushing him away.
Talking. I know I need to talk. I
just don’t want to. Sighing heavily Levon turned the car towards
home, then abruptly detoured and drove straight to Chicken’s, where he could
once again allow his feeling to become hidden by interacting with his friends,
or perhaps in a bottle. Either one was
an option as far as he was concerned, the only goal being not to think.
While he was pulling himself
together and getting into his car, his only real thoughts being for some good
cold beers, Joey was sitting in the doctors office waiting to have his
follow-up visit. As far as he was concerned
the only thing he needed was a clean bill of health so he could get things back
to normal. Maybe if they were working a
case Lundy wouldn’t push him away so much.
Finally the office door opened and a
pastel pink clad nurse said, “Mr. LaFiamma.
This way please.”
“Comin” he said as he followed her
to an examining room.
“Just hop up on the table and I’ll
take your vital signs, then you can undress so the doctor can check you over,”
she said indicating exactly where he was to sit, as she started to remove a
pressure cuff from the hook on the wall.
Sitting in the indicated position,
LaFiamma extended his arm, and watched as she placed the cuff, securely
velcroing it around his bicep. Slowly
she started to squeeze the air plunger and he felt the familiar tightness as
his veins and arteries were compressed.
As she released the pressure she placed her fingers on his wrist and
took his pulse, then turned and made notations in his chart, before saying,
“Open your mouth. Dr. Mahadavai wants
a complete file. I’m going to take your
temperature.”
Doing as he was asked, he closed his
lips loosely around the thermometer and began the three minute wait, while she
began checking his reflexes.
“Looks good,” she said smiling at
him. “Just another minute and we’ll have your temperature reading.”
Nodding his head in understanding,
LaFiamma waited patiently the last minute then as she moved in to withdraw the
thermometer he allowed her to pull it from his mouth and watched as she
accurately read it, then returned the thermometer to the vial of alcohol, so it
would be clean for the next patient.
Making the notations on his temperature, she closed his file and turned
to leave.
“Thanks, you were perfect,” LaFiamma
said just as she was exiting and Dr.
Mahadavai was entering at the same time.
“My nurse was perfect, Mr.
LaFiamma. In what way?”
“Uh.....” he stammered as she pulled
the door closed on the doctor and his patient.
“That is not an answer, and I know
you have the ability to talk a lot more than that. I was your doctor at the
hospital,” Dr. Mahadavai said laughingly.
“How was she perfect?”
Lowering his head slightly, to avoid
eye contact, Joey replied, “She just took my stats. Nothing more.”
“I think I understand,” Dr. Mahadavai
said knowingly, then continued with, “why don’t we get you all checked out and
see how you’re doing.”
“I feel fine doc.”
“Is that a fact, Mr. LaFiamma? I think I’ll be the judge. If I recall correctly you’re often misguided
where your health comes into play. Now
I’ll just slip outside while you remove your clothes. There is a gown on the table.”
“Doc, I really don’t think........”
“I think I’ve heard that line out of
your mouth a few times before. Now do
as I say. I’ll be back in two minutes.”
Mumbling, Joey did as the doctor
ordered and waited for him to return draped in the gown the doctor
supplied. At least blue was a
tolerable color, not like the yellow one from the hospital.
Two minutes exactly, Dr. Mahadavai
strolled back into the exam room and began.
“Lets take a look at that hip first.”
Joey pulled aside the gown and
allowed the doctor to probe the joint and muscles looking for new damage and to
check on the healing process. “Well?”
“Looks good. How much did you grit your teeth when I
rotated it fully?”
“Not much,” Joey stated.
“Truthfully?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Now lets check the ribs,” he said as he helped Joey lower the top
of the gown and lay back on the exam table.
Taking a stethoscope he first listened to his breathing to make sure
that he was getting the proper amount of oxygen, then began pressing lightly at
first then more firmly against the damaged areas. Noting nothing more than a few sharp indrawn breaths, he decided
that for all practical purposes Joey was healing ahead of progress. “Okay now for the head check and a few
questions, then I’ll give you my verdict.
No need to look so glum. This
won’t take much longer,” he added as he noticed LaFiamma’s face.
“It’s not that doc, I just wanta get
back ta work. I need ta get back ta
work.”
“I thought you’d been at work. I
didn’t expect you to be sitting in your apartment all this time. You need some exercise to heal well.”
“I haven’t been sitting. I’ve been at work, but confined to my
desk. I wanna get back on the job.”
Nodding his understanding, Dr.
Mahadavai moved his hands to Joey’s head and probed the site of the burr hole,
noting that it had healed nicely. “Okay
Mr. LaFiamma, just a few questions, and I want them answered honestly.”
“Of course,” Joey said winking
exaggeratedly.
“Now I’ll have none of that. First question, how do you feel?”
“Fine. I keep telling ya I’m fine.”
“I know you do, but I am asking
again. Any major hip pain? How about after prolonged sitting for
example.”
“Okay I’m a bit stiff first thing in
the morning and after I’ve been confined to the desk all day, but that’s to be
expected. Right?”
“Yes it is,” The doctor said
reassuringly. “Next question, how are
you breathing. Does it hurt after
walking?”
“Not at all.”
“Good. Have you taken all the antibiotics. You didn’t register a fever.”
“I told ya doc. I’ve been real good. Makes me wonder what’s really wrong with
me,” Joey replied smiling.
“Okay, last question,” he replied
smiling back at his patient. Then looking carefully for any dissembling he
asked, “How does your head feel?”
Again refusing to look at the
doctor, afraid that he would hear he couldn’t return to work yet, or even worse
that he wouldn’t get better, Joey said, “My head hurts. Not all the time, but most of it. Truthfully it isn’t as bad as it was a few
days ago. That’s okay, Right?”
Not answering the spoken plea for
reassurance that he heard, Dr. Mahadavai said “Where does it hurt, and on a
scale of one to five how bad is it?
Also what have you been taking to help?”
“It hurts right here mostly,”
LaFiamma said pointing to a spot just across from his eye on the right
side. I’d say it’s a two on the pain
meter, and now that the pain pills are gone, I’ve been taking aspirin.” Joey
finished then waited for the bad news he knew was coming. The headaches refused to stop and he was
worried.
“Good,” Dr. Mahadavai said bobbing
his head up and down. “That’s
good. Exactly what is to be
expected. The headaches will continue
to diminish and should be gone in about another week, perhaps two at the
outside. If you can work with them I’ll
give you the letter for the file so you can return to active duty.”
Releasing a pent up breath, Joey
said, “Thanks doc. That’d be great.”
“You get dressed and I’ll be in with
a stronger aspirin then over the counter remedies for the next week, and I’ll
bring the forms for you to sign.”
Already standing and starting to
dress, LaFiamma muttered, “Great” as the door shut behind the doctor for the
last time. A few minutes later when the
doctor had not returned, Joey went to look for him. He wanted to be free and clear of doctors forever.
“In a hurry my friend?”
“Rather obvious I’m sure,” Joey replied
smiling. “You may have noticed that I’m
not all that thrilled with hospitals and doctors, present doctors excluded of
course.”
“No need to make nice now, Mr.
LaFiamma,” Dr. Mahadavai laughed.
Handing Joey the release papers, he laughed as the man practically ran
from the room, then sighed. Life would be simpler now, but a lot more flat.
Joey hastily got out of the building
and stuffed the papers in his pocket so he would not forget them, then threw
open the door on his car and stopped.
His car was blue, his partner was being impossible, and he had a clean
bill of health. The first would take
some thinking about, the second needed fixing and the third gave him the
ability to do it.
As abruptly as he stopped and these things
ran through his head he jumped in the car.
First he needed a bite to eat then he would head to Lundy’s.
Hopefully he’d be there and this would end.
He was full but wrong. Levon was not at home. This didn’t take him long to figure out
since he pounded on the doors until Fooler started neighing, and still Lundy
didn’t answer. Add that to the lights
being out all over, including the porch light, and as the brilliant detective
he was, he thought sarcastically to himself, he’d have to look elsewhere, and
elsewhere was only one place.
Chicken’s. Lundy would be at
Chicken’s. Hell it was eight already. He’d wasted enough time and the drive to
Chicken’s would take another thirty minutes with Levon living so far out in the
country.
Hopping back in the car, he hoped
that when he got there his partner would be playing pool with someone and
winning. That would help if Levon was
in a good mood he thought as he steadily accelerated.
While Joey was at the doctors Levon
was pulling into the familiar parking lot at Chicken’s. He got outta his Jimmy
and made his way purposefully inside and up to his favorite spot at the
counter.
“Levon Lundy,” Chicken greeted him,
“what kin I do ya for?”
“I reckon a beer is a good enough
place ta start Chicken.” Levon answered as he took off his hat and placed it
top down on the bar in front of him.
God he was hot and tired.
“Here ya go. Guess I’ll add it to the tab. Where’s LaFiamma?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care.” Levon responded taking a long
pull on the beer, then looking at the bar to stop further questioning.
Shrugging his broad shoulders,
Chicken took the hint and stopped trying to talk to the man, but he was
worried. Something needed to be
done. Levon was being torn up, and he hated
to see it happen again. He knew that
the two would need each other cause of the case they were on, but that didn’t
seem to be happening. Saying a silent
prayer that the two would figure things out before Levon was lost again,
Chicken returned to dishing out another plate of ribs.
“These are yours Annie,” Chicken
said placing the dish in front of the police woman.
Upon hearing Annie’s name, Levon
brought his head up and looked in her direction. She didn’t seem to be with anyone. Perhaps he would join her.
Picking up his empty, he held it up to Chicken saying, “Another” then
continued to Annie’s table and sat down asking, “Is it okay if’fn I join ya fer
a bit?”
“Course it is Levon. Ya know better’n to ask. Where’s LaFiamma?”
“Why’s everybody asking for him
these days? Can’t a ..........”
“LEVON! I wasn’t really asking about him, but more stating that the two
of ya are usually together and lately it seems like ya can hardly stand each
other. Somethin’ wrong?”
“No Annie,” he replied
sheepishly. “Nothin’s wrong. Just felt like being out tonight,” he
finished as he quickly opened the new bottle and finished half of it in one
long pull.
“Taking it a mite fast aren’t ya
Levon?” Annie questioned softly, growing very concerned.
“Don’t reckon it’s any o’ your
bizness,” Levon said finishing the beer and quickly calling for another.
“Now Lundy,” Chicken said, bringing
over the requested drink, “Why don’t ya call it a night?”
“Not just yet. I think I want a few more. Reckon I’ll just find a quiet table. Night Annie,” Levon finished, as he rose and
moved slowly to a table in the back, near the pool tables.
Taking a seat, he continued to drink
his beer, while giving a little attention to the pool players currently using
the table. They’d be easy ta beat, he
decided as he watched them miss a few shots.
Perhaps he’d challenge them after a few more drinks.
“Chicken, you know something about
Lundy that I’m missin’. I haven’t seen
him hit the bottle this hard well....since Caroline.”
“I know Annie. Figure he needs Joe,” Chicken said as he
headed back to his B-B-Q pit. “You take
care of yourself tonight ya hear?”
“I sure will Chicken. Watch out for Levon for me will ya?”
“Always do Annie,” Chicken
affirmed. “Now eat up.”
“Yes sir,” Annie snapped back good
naturedly, then resumed watching Levon consume beer after beer. She knew he could handle a lot, but when
he’d had to much he could get rough.
As she was wiping her mouth of the
Bar-B-Que sauce for a final time, and tearing into the packet of wet-naps,
Annie looked up and noticed Joe just entering Chickens, a very determined look
on his face. Glancing quickly to
Levon’s table, she noted that he didn’t move an iota, or even seem to realize
his partner had entered. Hoping that
they would work things out for both their sakes, she also had to smile and give
thanks that her dinner was finished.
There was no way, when the yelling started that she wanted to be around,
and if the two men even laid eyes on each other there would be noise.
Looking back at LaFiamma she saw his
eyes follow Chickens pointing finger, then give a nod and begin to saunter back
to where Levon was. Deciding it was
time to leave, Annie wheeled her chair out in front of LaFiamma’s way and said,
“Here for a reason, Joe?”
Smiling down at the red head he
responded “Yep, gonna straighten that partner of mine out. I’m sick o’ paperwork and his attitude.”
then laughing added, “Fancy that, for a change it isn’t the world being sick of
my attitude.”
“You’re just different LaFiamma, not
bad. Just took us Texans some gettin’
used ta. We yell, but we do it slowly,”
she said, smiling hugely to take any sting out of her words he may have
applied. He seemed to take things wrong
a bit more’n most. “Take care of
him. He’s needing something but I don’t
know what.”
“I intend to Annie. Count on a change by tomorrow or I might
just go back to Chicago anyway. He’s
getting hard to live with.”
“Oh go on,” she finished playfully
reaching up to swat his arm, then refused when he asked if she needed any help.
Briefly watching him continue his
slow progress to the table, she thought how kind he was with women. He’d make someone a very good husband some
day. Many of the rape cases came to the two partners these days, and most of
it could be credited to LaFiamma and his ability to put the victims at
ease. Oh well, she’d see how things
went tonight from the safety of the bullpen tomorrow.
While Annie was making good her
escape. LaFiamma was slowly edging toward his partners table, taking in all the
empty bottles, the hunched over frame, and the weary downcast expression and
knew that he had his work cut out for him.
He loved Lundy. He was his best
friend in Texas. His best friend needed
help, and he needed his friend back.
Taking a deep breath as he reached
the table, he placed his hands on it, his legs spread wide, as if ready to
begin fighting right away and said, “Got room for one more?’
Glancing up, Lundy sighed, and shook
his head no.
“Didn’t figure you’d say yes, but I
think I’ll join you anyway,” he said taking a seat across from Lundy.
“Chicken,” Lundy called holding up
another empty.
Sighing himself, LaFiamma said
quietly, “How many you figure it’ll take to make you forget?”
“You don’t know nothin’,
LaFiamma. Just go home.”
“Nope, I’ve got news,” Joey said,
his speech becoming more lively.
“So.”
“So I’m gonna tell you whether you
care or not. The doc said I was cleared
for good. You know what that means
don’t ya?”
“I figure you’re a gonna tell me, whether
I wanna hear or not.” Levon dead
panned.
“It means I’ve been cleared ta do
what ever it takes to shape you up.
Wanna talk or play pool?” he asked grinning. This just might be fun, would be if it weren’t so serious, but
Levon looking so defeated wasn’t funny.
“I wanna drink, “Levon said reaching
for the bottle Chicken was placing on the table, but Joey’s reactions were a
bit faster since he hadn’t been drinking, and he grabbed the bottle first and
handed it back to Chicken. “He won’t be
needing any more.”
“I’ll do as I damn well please,
LaFiamma, and you won’t stop me.” Levon snarled, rising unsteadily from the
table and taking a swing at LaFiamma, which was easily avoided.
“You don’t wanna go there
Lundy. I’ll whoop you,” Joey stated
firmly. “In this shape it wouldn’t even
be a contest. Now I got all night.”
“Go away,” Levon muttered sitting
back down. “Don’t wanna see yur face.”
“Too late. Now lets play pool.” LaFiamma said moving to the table and
holding out a stick to his partner.
Lundy, taking the stick, just like
he’d took the bait, said “You rack em.”
Nodding as he allowed a slight smile
to grace his lips, LaFiamma did as requested, knowing that if he could keep his
partner from the bottle, things would get much better, and talking would be
easier.
The first game passed slowly in
silence, with nothing more than a few briefly exchanged looks. LaFiamma losing racked for the second game
and allowed Levon a few more shots before he again ventured into dark territory. “Levon, I think you’re letting things get ta
you a bit. Wanna talk yet, or just go
on playing some more.” There he’d laid
the groundwork, and let his partner know that he wasn’t just gonna give up and
go away. Smiling again he knew he had
the trump card anyway.
“Not gonna talk. Want ya ta go home and leave me be.”
“Not gonna happen,” LaFiamma stated
firmly, then took his shot, sinking the six ball easily. Lining up for the next shot he added, “Life
sucks.”
“You telling me,” Levon said, a
spark of defiance lighting his eyes.
“Well if you’re not gonna say it,
you’ll just hafta listen ta me.”
“Shut up then and play.”
“Fine,” LaFiamma said again lapsing
back into silence, as he watched his partner take his turn. An hour of play later Levon stood his pool
cue on the ground and leaned heavily on it, his eyes tracking his partners
movements closely.
“Ya should be home, LaFiamma.”
“I need to be here.”
“The doctor.........”
“Cleared me if you recall my earlier
comment.” Joey said.
The snappy answer again brought
silence. Then Levon hesitantly said,
“Ya seem ta be doin’ fine.”
“Looks can be deceiving.”
“You gonna talk then boy?” Lundy questioned.
“When you do,” Joey replied back
quickly. “Now lets shoot, unless you’re
ready to finish this once and for all.”
“Rack ‘em then,” Levon said, sinking
the eight ball for the fourth time that night.
Glancing at his watch and noting
that it was already near eleven Joey picked up the rack and tossed it down in
the middle of the pool table then started slamming the balls into it, applying
more force to each successive ball, as he allowed his stubborn partner to start
getting to him. He had no idea it had
grown so late. Taking a deep breath, he
silently called on the saints for patience, and placed the last ball in more
carefully then gestured to Levon indicating that he was ready for him to break.
As Levon again took his frustrations
out on the game, Joey thought back over the past few weeks. Levon had been there for him, tonight was
his night for Levon. He had to pull him
out of the hole he was digging, thus saving not only his partner but himself as
well. “Nice shooting Levon.”
“I reckon.”
“Damn it Levon, talk ta me.
“Don’t wanna. I keep tellin’ ya to go away”
“Go away, go away, go away,”
LaFiamma taunted, his eyes going dark as he
moved right into Levon’s face.
“Can’t you say anything else, or is your brain fried from all the booze
your hidin’ in?”
Pushing Joey hard, Levon said, “I
ain’t hidin’ boy. I just don’t wanta
see your face.”
Stepping forward from the shove,
Joey grabbed Levon by the shoulders and brought his face within inches from his
partners and snarled, “I’ve had enough o’ this. You’re talkin.”
“The hell I am,” Levon shouted back,
then brought his right fist up and connected with LaFiamma’s face, staggering
the man, but not breaking his grasp.
“If that’s how ya wanta play it,
fine,” LaFiamma hurled back swinging Levon around and throwing him into the
pool table.
“Shouldn’ta done that boy,” Levon
growled. “I’m gettin’ right angry wich
ya.”
“Yeah, what ya gonna do about
it?” LaFiamma taunted.
“This,” Levon said, hurling himself
at his partner, going for a head lock.
“I’m not losing, Levon,” Joey shot
back swinging his pool cue at Lundy’s unprotected mid section as the man came at
him, connecting solidly.
“Me neither, boy,” Levon said as he
lunged for Joey’s shoulder preparing to continue the battle all night if need
be.
“Missed,” LaFiamma mocked as he
landed a well placed punch sending his slightly off balanced partner back over
the pool table.
“Won’t happen again,” Levon echoed,
connecting solidly with Joey’s jaw as he leaned in for a second time.
LaFiamma, furious that it had come
to this let lose with a volley of upper cuts designed to take Levon down
quickly. All three connected and Levon
again staggered, grabbing onto the pool table for support, but coming up even
more angry, one eye already swelling.
Not only was Joey handling things fine, he was whooping him. Well not this time if he could help it.
Heedless to Chicken crossing the
floor toward them Levon returned the blows, sheer fury driving him on, as he
connected this time with LaFiamma’s rib cage.
A guttural “Ooof,” leaving Joey’s
mouth at the well placed punch, he yelled, “Now your gonna get it,” and unaware
of the stir they were causing once again laid into his partner.
As the two traded blows, Chicken
sighing and racking up the potential cost in damages, said to his patrons,
“Nothing to see here fellas. Were
closed. Go on home now,” and started
shepherding his clientele out the door.
With a sigh, he glanced back at the two men still locked in combat and
placed the closed sign in the window, then started clearing up for the
night. He’d need the early start if he
wanted to get the place back in order after those two were done.
“Ready to stop yet, Lundy?” LaFiamma
asked, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
“Not lessen you are,” Levon shot
back as he absorbed another blow to the gut.
“Whatcha want anyways LaFiaaaammma?”
“I want you ta talk, yell, listen,
anything but quit pushing me away man.
Ya ready ta talk yet?” Joey
replied as he unleashed another volley this time a right cross followed by a
left hook. He wanted to finish this,
his ribs were hurting.
“Not ta you.” Levon spoke as his head snapped back
dropping him to the floor.
‘Well I’m what you’ve got,” Joey
tossed out, standing above his currently prone partner, his eyes blazing as he
tried to keep from kicking the smug look offa his partners face.
“Don’t wantcha,” Levon slurred, his eyes
heavy with fatigue, liquor and pain.
“Tough,” Joey said kneeling by his
side. Holding out his hand, he let
Levon grab it and pulled attempting to
bring his partner to his feet, but got surprised as his partner planted his
feet firmly against the pool table and exerted his own pressure drawing
LaFiamma down beside him.
“How much more sense do I havta
pound into you?” LaFiamma questioned.
“Just sit here fer a spell, kay
LaFiamma?”
“Kay. The floor feels nice anyway,” LaFiamma said, hope starting to
show in his eyes. Maybe it was time to
talk.
“You know,” Joey added biting the bullet and getting ready to play
the trump card as it was now or never, “I’ve been thinking about having the
Alpha repainted. What do you think
about red, or forest green? That’s a
good color for attracting girls. You
know, not to rough, yet still mysterious.”
Watching Levon intently for a sign
that his comment was fully understood, he saw dark brown eyes bore into his
very soul as Levon whispered, “When?”
“Could have it done on
Saturday. You could drive the rest of
the week.”
“This another game, LaFiamma? I’m not in the mood for games.”
“Nope. I’m not in the mood for another car wreck. Understand?
Also not in the mood for a depressed partner.”
“Yeah,” Levon muttered, then relaxed
a bit.
The two men sitting in companionable
silence for the first time that night due mostly to neither being able to rise,
were startled by Chicken saying, “I’m gonna go home fellas. Lock up for me LaFiamma,” he finished,
tossing the spare keys to the Italian.
Nodding acceptance LaFiamma scooped
up the keys and leaned sideways slightly to shove them in his pocket, relieved
that Chicken was gonna be gone. The
things he had to say were for his partners ears only.
Both men sat not moving until they
heard the door close firmly behind Chicken, then Levon mumbled, “I still don’t
wanna talk.”
“Didn’t figure you did. Were ya like this with the psychologist
after the attack?”
“Nope. He didn’t irritate me,” Lundy shot back, a hint of levity in his
voice.
“Thanks.”
“No problem. Ya really gonna get the car repainted?”
Yep. I figure it’s an investment in our partnership. I want you to know I’m stayin’.”
“I’m countin’ on it,” Levon said a
he allowed himself to relax against his partners side, while Joey interpreted
it as, You’re the only thing keeping me here right now.
“Levon,” Joey asked, draping an arm
around his trembling partner “ Would you be saying that the Italian from
Chicago is helping ya?”
“Shut up Joey.”
“That’s what I thought,” LaFiamma
replied allowing himself a small chuckle.
“Levon, I’m not expecting to know how you feel, just like you couldn’t
understand why I didn’t tell Uncle Mikey about Chuck, and I’m not gonna pretend
to know but I would like ta understand what’s eatin’ ya.”
“I don’t wanna talk.”
Dead silence met his plea, and he
took a steadying breath then hesitantly began, “I didn’t like being outta
control.”
Again dead silence.
Closing his eyes against the memories
as another tremor ran through his body, he continued as he felt LaFiamma’s arm
tighten around his shoulder.
“I didn’t like you seeing it.” Another pause and he added “LaFiamma, since
you’re always out a control ya just cain’t understand.”
“I think I can. You’re saying you didn’t like it at all,”
LaFiamma said simply.
“Exactly,” Levon offered with some
spirit.
“You didn’t feel guilty
though?” LaFiamma asked, afraid of the
answer. Guilt he knew was hard to overcome.
“LaFiamma.” One word from his partner, short and
pleading for no more.
God Lundy, you’re easy to read. You do feel guilty. For God’s sake why?”
This time his inquiry was met with
silence then hesitantly the speaking began again. “Well lets see,” Levon said
derisively. “Want a list?”
“That would work for starters,”
LaFiamma replied.
“Great,” Levon muttered. “Always wanting somthin that I ain’t
prepared to give.”
Again silence greeted him, but the
arm drew his head down against his partners chest and he could feel the strong steady
staccato pounding of his
heartbeat. Taking strength from
his partner, he decided that he’d better get it over with, as Joey didn’t seem
to be ready to give up, and he was to tired to fight any longer.
As soon as the realization hit him
that this was it, the words tumbled out faster than he could stop them.
“Well LaFiamma, I feel guilty that I
said yes to the case when I shoulda said no.
I couldn’t protect you. You were
hurt in more ways then one, but you’re not talkin’. I didn’t even pay enough attention to know that you didn’t want
the case, hell I even thought you’d like it.
I’m not convinced that your accident was an accident, maybe it wouldn’t
have happened iffn I’d talked ta ya earlier.
I was used and couldn’t stop it.
Wouldn’t ya think I could control my own body? I let everyone down. I
just screwed up all around.”
“Mother Mary of God what a load of
rubbish!” LaFiamma said taking a deep
breath. There was so much to counteract and so few ways to do it. “ Okay Levon
listen up. I could list the same things
and they’d be equally true. It’s all in
how you look at it. We had to say yes
to the case, people were dying and we were their best hope. I didn’t protect you either. I am talking and in a few minutes I’ll give
you some great LaFiamma words of wisdom.
Why wouldn’t you have thought I’d like the case, I never led you to
believe otherwise, cause it woulda made me vulnerable. My accident was an accident, but yes I was
considering suicide. Wanna know why I
didn’t act on it? I was worried about how you’d handle it. I couldn’t stop them using me either, and
I’ve had a bit more practice at being used.
We solved the case so no one was let down, and lastly you didn’t screw up, it’s just a nice way to place the
blame so you don’t have to say I was raped and I hated it. It isn’t fair. I’m scared. See Levon
that at least I do understand. Now quit
fighting it and let it out man. You
gotta let it out. Then you can move
on. Didn’t the shrink tell ya that?”
“Think you’re so smart,
LaFiamma. Got an answer for everything
don’t ya......”
“Yep, I’m Italian don’t you
remember?” LaFiamma inserted to lighten the strained atmosphere. He really didn’t want to talk either. If his partner didn’t need it so badly he would
go home and bury himself in exercise.
“How can I forget. Ya never stop telling me,” Levon replied
then pulling away from the strong chest and looking at the familiar blue eyes
said, “Damn it LaFiamma I can’t take losing ya. Not after everything else.”
“ I feel the same way cowboy. You’re the best cop and friend a partner
could ask for, just don’t tell anyone I said it cause I’ll deny it
vehemently.” LaFiamma said quietly. “Ready for that great piece of LaFiamma
wisdom?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Not likely.”
“Shoot then.” Levon replied.
“Levon, life isn’t easy and at some
time or other we all have to face some demons.
I’ve had years with mine and am still haunted on occasion, but I figured
this out. You take the pain you’re
given and you help others lighten theirs. You don’t hurt yourself or others in
retaliation. Let me help ya Levon.”
“How?”
“What do you need?” LaFiamma questioned.
“I wantta know how you coped. I wanna know how bad it really was.”
“I just told you. I became a cop. I help others, or at least I try when the system allows it.”
“Yeah but.....”
“Okay, okay. I’ll talk, but only this time. I think I’ll
tell you my last secret too, if it’s okay with you?” he added as he also started
to tremble slightly, a fact that was not lost on his partner.
“Sure, I can handle another secret,”
Levon answered, quieting as fear at what he may hear took control. Joey’s voice had wavered strongly with the
last question.
Okay Joey, get it over with. Just take a deep breath and tell him. It may help everyone, and with Chuck dead
there is no more retribution needed anyway.
Inhaling deeply and concentrating on steading himself, Joey
whispered, “Being raped sucked. Being
raped by Chuck was worse. What you
don’t know, is that Chuck sold me twice after the rape to other men. He threatened to kill cousins and uncles if
I told, and you know he had the story about the gang initiation already in
place. I was petrified. Feeling like I couldn’t tell, and being all alone
except for Pauly, I did everything I could to forget, just like you are, and landed in trouble. Big trouble. Uncle Mikey talked to me, and I prayed, but still nothin. I was sure God had given up on me, I felt
dirty, used, scared, and panicked that it would happen again, then one day I
was in my room and I picked up the bible by my bed. Yes all Italian’s have Bibles by their beds, so don’t ask. My fingers opened the bible and I looked
down, and I swear Lundy the words practically glowed, telling me that I wasn’t
to blame. The peace I felt was unreal,
and although I still didn’t forget, I could live with it better. Uncle Mikey’s next talk sunk in, and I
decided that there must be a plan for me, so although I didn’t forgive, I did
avoid Chuck completely and try to get on with my life. I literally spent two holidays on the
streets just to avoid seeing him in the house at a special occasion. But I didn’t want him to win. I didn’t let him win. Chuck wasn’t worth it. Don’t let Sheila win. Don’t let your attackers win. They aren’t worth it either.”
“Lord Joey,” Levon whispered. “I can’t imagine it could have been worse than the one rape. I
feel awful for letting this upset me so, when you.......well you know.”
“Actually Levon, it just made hating
him easier, and the resolve to stop jerks like him stronger. God doesn’t give more than we can
handle. Geez I sound like a priest. Stop me will ya?” he swore.
“Maybe......I reckon ya got a point,
but still I keep getting these nightmares....and I keep re-living the
details....then you’re in that Goddamn blue car.........”
“I’m fixing that remember?”
“Yeah, but Joey how long is it gonna
take? I can’t keep doing this. I don’t want people to know, but I’m falling
apart.”
“Lean on me. When it gets to rough
call. I’ll be there. How long did it
take to sleep again after the attack?”
“Weeks, a month or so, why?”
“It’s only been about that long this
time, and you’re just now talkin’. You
haven’t given yourself a chance.”
“I feel guilty that I’m glad they’re
dead.” Levon whispered.
“Funny, I don’t. Just relieved.”
“Ya think it was you’re
um......uh........”
“I’m not gonna think about it, cause
I don’t wanna know. Lets just say I’m
happy no matter how the deed was done.”
“Yeah, me too. Just don’t want to think that it was a
relation of yours. I like your Uncle
and that scares me,” Levon admitted.
“Didn’t want to think I could like a known mobster.”
“I love him,” LaFiamma stated
firmly, “and I’m a cop, and a straight one.
I also got the impression that he’d take care o’ you too.”
“I wasn’t implying any different
about you being a good cop.”
“Good.”
“Ya know Lundy,” Joey whispered, “I
when I repaint the car I’m gonna need you too.
It feels kinda like skydiving without a parachute. I’ve had the car to rely on for so long and
this’ll change everything. All the old
rules will no longer apply, so I need you to be there for me as well. Are you up to that?”
Smiling at his partners admittance
at needing his help, Levon replied, “I reckon if you’re doing this for me, I
can at least make sure I deal with my stuff for you. Ya think this will make us better cops?”
“Don’t know about better cops,”
LaFiamma quipped, “It’s hard to get better than we are, but I feel like our friendship
just reached a new level. I guess we’ll
need to watch that in public. Can’t let
on that we respect each other.”
“You got that right. Guess we’ll just have ta keep fightin.”
“I’m counting on it. Wouldn’t seem like we were partners if we
stopped fightin all the time. Anyway,
with you wrong so often I don’t see that as being a problem.” LaFiamma answered
back, all his teeth shining in the soft glow of Chickens overhead pool light.
“I reckon we should get out a here for
the night,” Levon said, attempting to uncoil himself from his partners grasp,
as the closeness of their circumstances broke through.
“Yeah,” LaFiamma said, a feeling of
weight seeming to drop from his shoulders.
“You doing better now?”
“I think so. I got those Italian words of wisdom to think
about.”
“Just don’t forget em. Lundy, you’re strong. I don’t think anything less of you. Do you think less of me?”
A shocked look on his face, Levon
turned to his partner and said, “Why would you think that? Sounds like you’re feeling guilty now.”
“Not guilty just embarrassed I
guess. If you felt ashamed that I was
in the room, then I should to cause you know a lot more about me than I ever
intended.”
“No I don’t think less of ya. In some ways I think lots more of ya for
bein able to cope. Couldn’t have been
easy.”
“It wasn’t. But if I can do it so
can you.”
“Yeah, I can. Let’s get out of here.”
“I’m with you on that. I think my butts asleep from sitting on the
floor for so long.” LaFiamma said, as he loosened his hold on his partner.
“Well you’ll have to sit in my Jimmy
for the drive home.” Levon retorted, pulling himself up from the floor, and
away from the warmth of his partners embrace.
“You okay to drive?” LaFiamma questioned softly.
“Yep.”
“It has been a few hours, so I guess
ya should be. Why don’t you spend the
night at my apartment just to make sure though.”
“You gonna make one of those
frittata things before work?”
“I can.”
“Then I’ll stay. I feel hungry.” Levon answered.
“God Lundy, I don’t think were goin
home just yet,” LaFiamma said gesturing at the mess their fight had made of the
pool table area. “I guess we should
clean up a bit.”
“Probably owe Chicken that,” Levon
agreed. Ya know he warned me against
ruining his establishment once already, and I said I wouldn’t”
“Famous last words, Levon.”
“That’s what he said,” Levon joked
leaning over to pick up a fallen chair.
Picking up the broken pool cue
LaFiamma said, “I’ll have him put this on your tab. After all you broke it when it hit you.”
“Right my tab. What ya mean is you’re broke again.”
Seeing Joey shrug, Levon
smiled. Some things would never change.
As Levon continued to clean, Joey
looked around the bar and after a few minutes said, “Didn’t we start out in a
fight kinda like this and wasn’t it the beginning of some understanding between
us?”
“I guess it was, why?” Levon asked.
“Just seems like things are coming
around full circle. Another fight, another understanding and another
beginning. Maybe next time we can skip
the fight though and just talk,” Joey quipped.
Levon stopped, turning to meet
LaFiamma’s eyes. Silent understanding
passed between the two men. After a
moment he gave a shrug. “May be,” his
voice carefully noncommital but he smiled and there was just a hint of
amusement in his eyes as he rubbed his face.
Joey turned back to straightening
with a grin, recognizing agreement in his partners look. Things would definitely be okay.
The
End
Back to fic page – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6 – Part 7 – Part 8
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