since Nov. 26, 2004.The phone rang like a shot in the dark.
"Hello?"
"Ma’am, your daughter’s been kidnapped."
"Excuse me?"
A million thoughts were running through the mind of Matilda Blu. My baby’s missing? How could she be missing? I just talked to her ...
"Ma’am?"
"Yes, I’m still here." Matilda glanced at the clock radio. 2:00 A.M. Damn, she thought, so much for a decent night’s rest.
"We received a call from the man claiming to have your daughter. He’s demanding a sum no less than one million dollars."
"One million, huh?" She closed her eyes. One million, one million. How in the hell am I going to find that kind of money? Damn that George!
"Ma’am?"
"Yeah?"
"He wants the money in 72 hours."
Shit, that’s not enough time!
"Ma’am, please!"
Matilda sighed. "Where do I bring it?"
"He said he’ll contact you."
Oh, this is coming straight out of one of those stupid novels George hated me reading. If he was here, he’d be gloating ‘I told you so! I told you so!’ That prick! This, among many things, is all his fault.
"Ma’am?"
"And if I don’t have it in time?" Think positive. It’s all mind over matter. Damn that George! All his fault ... all his fault ...
"Well, ma’am, he said you’ll never see her again ... not in so many words."
All his fault. It’s all his fault.
"Ma’am?"
Matilda took a deep breath. "If you hear from him again, tell him I’ll have the money, a sum of one million dollars. As long as he doesn’t harm her, he’ll get it."
"Yes, ma’am. I’m very sorry about this."
Why apologize? You’re not the bastard responsible. "Thank you. Goodnight." She hung up the phone and plucked a portrait of a lean, handsome man off the night stand.
Oh, George, I could ring your scrawny, beatnik neck for all your bullshit! Damn you! How am I going to get the money? Tell me that, George! My daughter will die because of you. One bankruptcy after another, never having a goddamn thing. What kind of life was that? And how in the hell were you able to just walk away? Tell me, how in the hell ...
When Matilda Blu awoke, the clock radio read 7:30 A.M. and George’s picture lay face-down on the floor.
As she drove wildly down Martin Way, Matilda Blu turned the volume up and sang along with the screeching music. ‘Oh, there’s nothing I can say, nothing I can do ...’ Damn that George! No money, no future, no nothing. Not even any support for his own kid. Hell, I was damn lucky he even stopped by once a month for a quick screw, much less a hello. ‘... I’ll come to your emotional rescue ...’
She swung her beat-up Subaru into the parking lot and into a stall marked ‘For K-Mart employees only.’ Jesus, George. You weren’t even a good lover! Why I ever thought you’d make a better husband is beyond me! ‘... I could be your knight in shining armour ...’
"Good morning, Mattie."
"Hey, Sue."
Matilda took her place behind register nine and fastened her name tag to her blouse. How am I going to get a million dollars in three days? It’s not possible ... not humanly possible.
"How’s Karen? She still in school?"
God, Karen! "Yeah, she’s got another week left." Shit, how could someone take my daughter?
"You okay? You look a little upset."
Upset? Ha! What an understatement!
"Is George bothering you again?"
"I’m just tired, Sue." There you go. God, girl, what a convincing liar you are! "George is the least of my worries." Another lie. Keep it up.
Three customers came to her check stand. Matilda quickly scanned the items and rang up the total. She watched the man pull a twenty out of his bulging wallet. Man, if only I had have the money this man holds in his wallet! I’d never have to work again. And George could go to hell and rot! She handed the man his change.
"There you go. Have a good day."
"You too."
Maybe I’ll jump off a bridge.
Matilda read the Daily-O during her lunch break and ignored the bratty kids running through the cafe. She turned to the classifieds. Maybe some rich S.O.B. wants a date and will pay me for good lay. She shook her head. Karen wouldn’t want me doing that. Maybe I should try one of those ‘Get Rich Quick’ ads. But, with my luck, half of those are probably from George. The dork!
The afternoon went by rather quickly and Matilda Blu was soon back on Martin Way. Tears streamed down her face. I’ve let her down. After 15 hours, all I’ve done is go on an on about her stinking father and I haven’t even thought of one goddamn thing I can do to get the money. She steered the car down South Bay Road. How can I do it? Unless I sell myself or rob a bank or win the lottery. It’s up to 10 million. A heavy sigh. It’s a one-in-seven-million chance, but it’s one I’ve got to take. She shifted down and pulled into the service station.
Numbers, numbers ... of course! Karen’s lucky numbers! Matilda filled in the numbers and handed them to the cashier.
"Yearly or 50 percent pay-out?"
"50 percent." Duh! Even after taxes, I’ll have enough to get Karen back, get a decent place to live and still afford not to work. Life would be a peach! She thanked the cashier and started down Lilly Road.
It was chilly in her second story La Casa apartment. Matilda hit the thermostat. Damn thing! Have to have a little talk with that landlord. Ugh! Horny freak! I hate the way he looks at Karen. Jesus! Not that I enjoy him looking at me, no sir! She opened the fridge and sighed. Yuck! How can I cook when I’m this miserable? I still don’t have a valid idea to save my daughter. Shit, wouldn’t you know?
Chinese! Can’t afford it, but what the hell? Hopefully Karen still has credit ...
The couch squeaked as Matilda Blu flopped down in the center. If I only I knew how she could have disappeared. Maybe then something would come to me. She left at 10:30 Thursday evening; it was during ‘ER.’ I told her she was crazy for working graveyard on a school night. As usual, telling me to shut up and let her find out the hard way, she kissed Pooky (her siamese kitten) and headed off to QFC. How could I complain? Hell, she makes more than me!
She called. That’s right! She called at quarter of twelve, asked me to make sure her gray knit shirt was washed and dried. I think she really wanted to know if I was winning at Rock-N-Roll Jeopardy, and jealous she wasn’t there to cream me. The VH1 queen! She said she’d be off early; her boss wanted her to do well on her finals. Cool boss! Wonder if he’s single ... Surprise! Karen even said she loved me. I knew she did, in her own way. It’s just been awhile since either of us said so. Another one of George’s faults. Asshole! And stupid me, I didn’t say it back. Jesus, I hope she didn’t think ... I hope she knows I really do.
I fell asleep on the couch, watching Northwest Cable News. Obviously boring as hell. Then I ... wait a second! They released that guy held for murder. Shit! Damn mistrial! He’s released and now my daughter’s gone. There’s gotta be articles ... Matilda scrambled for the pile of discarded newspapers in the corner, which Pooky was using as a bed. He howled as she moved him onto the cold carpet. Here it is! Ha! Thursday: ‘The Spanaway man--known as Spanaway Sam--held as a suspect for the murder of two Nisqually teenagers was released from the Thurston County Jail after circumstantial evidence resulted in a mistrial. The man, however, is still considered to be dangerous and should not be approached.’
Matilda shouted with delight. I can use this to check his record, get his address, and I can go over there myself and confront the bastard. Yes! Karen would be proud of me! A knock at the door. Shit, the Chinese! She grabbed her billfold and turned, stepping on Pooky. He hissed at her. Ornery cat! She paid the delivery man and set the food on the coffee table. Pooky, smelling the food, batted the sack and knocked it over. The contents spilled onto the carpet. Matilda sighed. Jesus, when it rains is pours!
Someone, or something rather, was licking her face. Matilda opened one eye. Pooky stood over her, licking the remains of dinner off her chin. "Hey, Pook." She glanced at the clock radio. 6:30 A.M. My goddamn day off! Oh, well, gotta get busy. My baby’s counting on me. She threw back the covers, accidently hitting Pooky, who hissed and ran into the closet. Males!
Matilda Blu turned on her portable radio before hopping into the shower. The water was extra hot and turned her skin red. Man, one day I freeze. The next, I’m scorched. Have to talk to that horny old fart. Yuck! That’s not my job. Damn it, George! Skipping out on your responsibilities AGAIN!!! It’s a wonder we’re still in this place. Oh, phooey! I don’t want to think about this shit! She closed her eyes and sang along with the music.
‘... I resolve to call you up, a thousand times a day, ask you if you’ll marry me, in some old fashioned way ...’ I wish things hadn’t gone sour with George. We had some pretty good times--some, not as many as the bad. He wasn’t that bad in bed. Not bad at all, actually. If he came back, maybe ... Nah! Karen says there come a time when you gotta hang it up and let it all go. I think George and I were there at Day One.
Pooky sat on the couch, perched on top of the newspaper articles like a king on his throne. Matilda tugged on the top one. Pooky, the intelligent one, thought she was playing and batted her hand, scratching her.
"Shit. Damn cat!" Pooky only purred and nuzzled her hand. "Alright, alright, butter me up, if you must." Slap me around, then try to get on my good side. Why does this sound familiar?
The courthouse was crowded. Matilda shuffled through the mobs of people to the counter.
"State your nature for obtaining these records."
Shit, what do I say now?
"Ma’am?"
"I ... uh ... I’m researching." Was that lame or what?
The clerk gave her a Look. "Researching?"
"Yeah." Got a problem with that?
"And may I ask what you’re researching?"
Well, here goes the actress inside. "I’m an undercover police officer for the Chehalis police department, and this criminal I’m investigating may have a record in Thurston County; therefore..."
"You’re an undercover cop?"
"Yeah."
"Got a badge or credentials or some identification?"
"No, stupid. If someone stole my wallet, they’d know I was a cop and come after me. Hello? Comprende?" Matilda put her hands on her hips and smirked. "Can I have the records now?"
The clerk, clouded with skepticism, reluctantly handed her the folder. Jerk! Just wait till you need a favor.
She looked at the record carefully. All the information on this guy was there, though his address had been covered with white-out. She began scratching at it with her nails and hurried toward the entrance. Damn government procedures! If I break a nail ...
"Mattie? Is that you?"
George. Oh, Lord. And looking so handsome ... Oh, shit!
"You look gorgeous."
"Thanks, George. How’s it going?" Please say he’s miserable! Please!
"Okay. Lonely at times." Yes!
Matilda smiled. "I know what you mean." Oh, boy, do I!
"How’s Karen?"
Oh, God! What do I tell him?
"What? Oh, man, what happened?"
"C’mon. We need to talk." God, this will break his heart! Karen, wherever you are, give me strength. Stay alive!
"Kidnapped?"
"Someone at QFC called me at 2:00 A.M. yesterday, said that some guy called, claiming to hold our daughter hostage and he wants one million dollars ... or we never see her again." Man, I can hardly get it out. How will he be able to handle it? After all, she’s his baby too.
"QFC?"
"Yeah, that’s where she works. The brat makes more than me, can you believe it?"
"Oh, God ... I don’t know what to say." Doesn’t know what to say? Ha! I could say plenty! Like it’d do any good. Play it sweet. He likes me sweet.
Matilda leaned back against the driver’s seat. "Will you help me find her?"
"How?"
She held up the record, the white-out successfully scratched off.
George read it, in disbelief. "7512 12th Way, Olympia, 98506. God, girl, you’re amazing!" He planted a small kiss on her lips and pulled away slowly. "You never cease to amaze me. Well, let’s go check it out."
"What about your car? Did you drive here?"
He shook his head. "No. I came to file a temporary protection order on my girlfriend, the witch." Yeah, the witch! "She, uh, dismantled my car, so I took the bus."
"I’m sorry." Matilda took his hand. Their gazes locked. ‘Come a little bit closer, you’re my kind of man, so big and so strong ...’
"I guess we should go."
"Yeah." Damn it! Kiss me!
They were silent as Matilda hurried up I-5 to exit 109. George looked straight ahead, though throwing an occasional glance her way. She sighed. Holy shit! Man, you smell good! If only your lips were on mine ...
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"No." Did I? Oh, God! I can only imagine ...
He reached over and placed his warm palm on her knee. Warm? Ha! Try hot. "Don’t worry, Mattie. We’ll find her. And we will get her back."
She looked into his eyes. "I hope so."
The car flew down Martin Way to Thompson Place. Matilda pulled into the parking lot on the corner of Martin Way and Hensley and parked next to the Sampan. Ah, the smell of Chinese!
"What are you doing?"
What does it look like I’m doing, genius? "That address is located in a subdivision. What are we going to do? Stop the car right in front and stare like idiots?" Idiots? Maybe.
"I just ..."
"We’re going to walk. It’ll look less conspicuous." Besides, it’s more time with you, mister. What’s a girl to do?
They took the first trail behind the Sampan down to Horne Street. Matilda remained quiet. C’mon, say something, you dork! Say you want me back! Hell, say you love me! Say anything!
"So, how did you figure out that this guy kidnapped her?" Bright start!
"I remember reading that a murder suspect was released that day. It was the only thing I could think of. I can’t imagine anyone taking her." Can’t you see I’m miserable? Do something about it!
George took her hand and held it firmly. "Neither can I." Thank you, God! "I’m glad you suspect this guy took her. If I’d gotten the call, I don’t know what I would have done, much less thought."
Matilda looked at him. "I’m glad you’re here. Karen needs both of us." Lame! Yikes, get with it girl! "And I ... I need you too." Ooh, there we go!
"Me too." He squeezed her hand.
She held her breath as they turned onto 12th Avenue. They stopped at the intersection of 12th Avenue and 12th Way and looked around. "That’s it."
"Where?"
God, don’t stare like an idiot! "The gray one with blue trim ... and don’t stare."
"Okay, now what?"
Think fast! Think fast! "Uh, lets walk around the loop first."
"Okay." He led her down 12th Avenue. More silence. Shit, this silence is killing me.
"George ..."
"Mattie ..."
She sighed. "I’m sorry things didn’t work out before, with us." No matter what, I’m not letting go of his hand. Not for God. Not for anybody!
"I’m sorry too." That sounds so nice! I could just cry!
"I ... I really feel bad ... about everything."
"I know how you feel, babe." Babe!
"You do?"
George put his arm around her. "Of course I do. I feel so bad, so guilty, so ... I don’t know, terrible that things didn’t work out. I was an asshole to you, running around on you and spending money we didn’t have." He looked down. "I wasn’t a good father to Karen."
"Oh, no. Karen loves you!" God, don’t walk away again. Please don’t walk away again!
"I’ve only let you two down."
"No! Don’t say that!" Matilda wrapped both arms around his waist. I’m determined this time. I won’t let him drive himself into the ground anymore. "We need you now more than ever!" Good! Desperate, but good!
"Really?"
What do you think? "Yeah." She looked into his eyes. He tightened his embrace. ‘...I just died in your arms tonight ...’ Oh, baby!
"Look!"
As always, something to kill the moment!
since Nov. 26, 2004.