Click here to join Backstreet X-Change
The diary entry offered Mackenzie the final proof of her parent’s murder that had been nessacary. The absolutes it revealed, gave her the kind of comfort that she had been yearning for. Her search had not been in vain, and now, it was only a matter of time.
Howie sat listening intently to what Mackenzie was trying to explain to himself and AJ. Her movements were quick and nervous, though her eyes carried shadows beneath them. That she was exhausted, was obvious.
“Mackenzie, honey. Stop for a second and listen to me.” he commanded. She halted her pacing and gazed at him. Howie patted the space next to himself, on the bed; she came to him. “I want you to get some sleep.” he began. Mackenzie shook her head vigorously and opened her mouth to protest. Howie lifted a finger to her lips. “I said listen. You need your rest, just look at yourself. You’re so tired, you’re anxious. Please, why don’t you climb up here into bed, and let AJ and I read the journal for ourselves. We can talk about whatever conclusions we’ve drawn, later this afternoon. Alright?”
Mackenzie’s shoulders slumped in aquiescance, and AJ took the diary from her and left for his own room. Howie urged Micki to the head of the bed, watching her crawl her way there with some amusement. He drew the covers back, and tucked her in. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead, then sat next to her. She starred at him with those large green eyes of hers, which prompted him to lay his hand gently against her cheek. Mackenzie relaxed, and in a few moments, she was sound asleep. Howie rose to leave the room.
*****
After reading the journal, Howie sat for some time, simply pondering the emotions it must have evoked in Mackenszie. It must have been as though her father were returning from the dead, and it more than explained her exhaustion. That Mackenzie’s father had loved her, was obvious. He dwelt upon the threat which Mr. Ross had made in one of his entries, regarding the mistreatment of his daughter. Howie vowed never to allow that threat be fulfilled. He was determinded to be all he could be to her, and more.
*****
Mackenzie woke from her deep sleep feeling refreshed, emotionally and physically. Quickly, she rose from the comforting bed, and dressed, hoping to seek out Howie and AJ. Mackenzie craved to speak with them about the journal.
Stepping into the hallway of the hotel, she moved several doors down to AJ’s suite. Rick leaned back in his chair, positioned outside of AJ’s room.
“Hey Rick.” greeted Mackenzie.
“Hey yourself, girl. How’s it going?” he offered, barely tearing his eyes from the pages of a hardback book.
“Ok. Whatcha reading?” she asked in passing, just as she was about to open the door.
“It’s an old one, but good. The title is ‘Magnetic Forces’ by Max McGuiness.”
Mackenzie stopped mid reach for the door handle. “What’s the book about? Is it on the Time’s Top 10?” she inquired.
“No. This is an older book. It’s....Well, it’s kind of a fantasy novel.” Rick admitted sheepishly. “Like.....ok, well, there’s these magicians and dragons and stuff. It’s really cool.” he explained. “Wanna read it after me?”
“Thanks, but I’m not really into the fantasy genre.” she replied. Rick shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
Mackenzie pushed open the door and was met with the sight of Howie and AJ sitting on the bed, the journal open between them. Howie looked up at her entrance.
“Micki!” he smiled. “You’re up.”
“Yeah, I am. Thanks for letting me sleep.”
“No problem.” he smiled, and placed his arms around Mackenzie, pulling her close for a kiss.
“Ahem!” AJ interrupted. “We just finished reading your father’s diary.”
“And?”
“And, I think it’s a big piece of the puzzle, Micki.” Howie admitted.
“I was hoping you would think so.” she admited. “I have to admit, it does offer alot in the form of motive.”
“Yes, but there’s something else there as well.” Howie sighed. “And once again, I can’t put my finger on it. I guess we’ll just have to keep researching the net, and reread the journal.”
“Man, as much as this diary revealed, it’s opened up more questions. I mean.....when you think about it, this murderer is still out there. Are we in any danger?” AJ speculated. The three were silent for a moment.
“Wether or not we’re in danger, it’s a little late now to decide that we’d rather not. You know?” Howie said with a raised eyebrow.
“Wait a minute.” Mackenzie frowned. “I think we can rule out another suspect.” she reached for the diary and flipped through it’s pages until she came to the October entry. “My father says here that the person embezeling money from him was a close associate. My father trusted him. What does that tell you?”
“That this person...whoever it was.....had worked with him for a while.”
“Exactly. In April of 1995, my father’s financial advisor retired. He was replaced with Curt. At the time of these entries, Curt had just begun to work for my father. He was fresh faced and wet behind the ears - not about to foul up his first big job.” Makcenzie concluded.
“Good!” AJ’s face lit up. “So that leaves.......Rob, the personnel Manager?” he asked. Micki nodded.
“Call me crazy, but how exactly would a personnel manager have access to the kind of paperwork that the murderer did?” Howie interviened. Mackenzie and AJ gazed at one another and then at Howie. Their shoulders slumped.
“You’re right.”
“No! Don’t feel defeated! We’re on the right track. By the diary entry, your father found out something terribly incriminating about a close advisor, and the next day, he was killed! That’s not a coincidence, that’s motive. Coupled with the other shady dealings, it almost proves that whoever killed your father, is probably......well.....going by the name ‘Topper’, now - since Topper heads a company which just happens to produce software for the black market and is nearly the EXACT size and scope of your father’s corporation.”
After his little speech, AJ and Mackenzie appeared slightly more encouraged than before.
“Ok.” Micki finally spoke. “Then all we’ve got to do now, is figure out how Rob could have done such a crime.”
“Or....maybe it was someone else. You never know.” AJ murmured.
*****
Mackenzie dialed the now familiar numbers on her cells phone and after two rings, the line was picked up.
“Hello?”
“Hey Marty!”
“Micki! How’s it goin’ honey?” he asked warmly.
“Just fine.” Mackenzie smiled into the phone. “I thought I’d call and go over what we found in Westville with you.”
“Wonderful! I remember Howie calling to tell me about your phone conversation with Mrs. Croft. I was wondering how it all turned out. That old bat is still around, huh?” Marty inquired. Mackenzie laughed; she had forgotten that Marty and Regine had never been bosom buddies, let alone get along.
“It turned out to be a profitable venture, actually. We located a journal of my father’s. it contains some pretty astounding information, Marty.”
Just then, the door to the suite opened, and Rick poked his head in. “You seen my book?” he questioned, a forlorn expression painted on his face. Micki laughed.
“Nope, sorry Rick. You’ll not have any luck in here!” she called. He shrugged and raised his hand in thanks before closing the door behind him.
“You still there?” Marty’s voice came dimly from the phone.
“Yes, of course I’m here. Rick the security guard, came in to check for his book.”
“Oh? What book?” Marty inquired in passing.
“It’s a fantasy book, I forget it’s title. I do remember it was by Max Mcguiness, though.” she replied.
“Really? Lou used to read those books all the time. He became downright obcessive about them! I remember when he started to collect Max’s works.......the first one that Lou located, he was as giddy as a child at Christmas!” Marty snickered. “So.....what’s written in the diary?”
Mackenzie was silent for a moment. Max McGuiness.....where had she heard that name before. Micki racked her brain for an answer. Why the desire to have one was so overwhelming, she did not know.”Makcenzie?” Marty called.
“I’m here, I’m here. Listen, Marty. Can I call you back?” she asked, making a snap decision.
“Sure, but why?”
“Later, ok?” With that, she hung up with phone, and moved to the balcony, where Howie sat in a wicker chair, the laptop in hand. “Howie? Can you call something up for me?”
He looked up into her green eyes and smiled. “Sure honey.” Any other time, Micki would have stopped to kiss Howie for his term of endearment, but something was bothering her.
“Great. Boot up the online profile from New Leaf Enterprises for MISSION_102.” she requested. He nodded, and pulled down the bookmarks from the menu bar, quickly locating their online destination. The page loaded quickly. Mackenzie thought back to the time that she and Lou had met at the Westside Mall in Texas. Marty’s words replayed in her mind, and it clicked. Mackenzie’s jaw went slack for a moment, and her brow furrowed in a deep frown. “Oh my God....” she whispered. Howie glanced over at her and took in her shocked expression.
“What?!” he demanded.
“This is Lou.”
“Huh?” Howie stated, confused at her meaning.
“THIS....this profile is Lou’s. Howie....Lou is involved on the black market!” she exclaimed. Understanding dawned on Howie’s face; he felt numb all over. Lou had lied to them. Well, not lied, but certainly hidden an ugly aspect of his lifestyle.
“Something tells me, that his involvment is not limited to literature.” Howie murmured. Makcenzie felt unable to look at the webpage displayed on the monitor any longer, so she reached out and collapsed the screen. Howie set it aside, and put his arms around her, as much for himself, as for her.
*****
The next day, Mackenzie had succeeded in stifleing her feelings of betrayal. How Lou could become intertwined with the people who could have very well killed her parents, was beyond her. The thought alone made a fountain of anger and frustration well up inside of her. Thus, she had written Lou an email the night before, and had requested that he meet her sometime soon. He was replied that he was near their venue, and could stop by the concert hall. Mackenzie had agreed, with every intention of confronting him about his dealings. She now stood, outside of the venue, waiting for him to arrive. Mackenzie found herself hoping profusely that Lou would see the error of his ways, and go back to being practically the only family that she had.
*****
The man watched as the girl twisted her hands nervously, and resumed her pacing outside the side door of the Frank Wagner Arena. Patting the bulge beneath his left arm, under his coat, the man knew that no matter what happened, there was always confort knowing that you were better armed than your opponents.
*****
“Micki!” a voice called. Mackenzie twirled in it’s direction, and her face lit up when she saw Lou coming toward her. They embraced for a moment, and Mackenzie gazed sadly up into his face.
“It’s so good to see you again, Lou.”
“It’s damn good to see you too, sweetie. How have you been?” he inquired.
“I’ve been alright.....but Lou....we’ve got to talk.” Mackenzie took a deep breath and braced herself. “I know what you’re hiding. How could you?”
Links to other sites on the Web
Back to Main Page
Back to Fan Fiction Index
Back to ATTN table of contents
Back to Chapter 15
To Chapter 17
FEEDBACK welcome!:0)
© 1997 crunkgrl62382@yahoo.com
Get your own Free Home Page