Blossom - Andrew H. Vachss [88]
"I don't know what he can see, but the tip of a cigarette, you can see it for a long distance. That's why soldiers cup them in the field. He wouldn't expect to see a cigarette until it's over."
"What's over?"
"The sex. What he came to kill."
172
I GUNNED THE 'Cuda out of its spot, a young man pumped up on himself. Saying goodbye.
He didn't answer.
173
"IT LOOK REAL to you?" I asked Sherwood later.
"Perfect. From where we were, we could see right into the front seat with the scope. Even without one, you could tell people were in the car."
"You up for a couple more times?"
"Yeah. I got two men with me. Good men. It jumps off, one of the boys'll radio for help while me and my partner move on him."
"Okay. I'm coming back tonight. A little later, closer to midnight."
"Burke…"
I looked at the big man, waiting.
"Last night, someone was there. Couldn't get a movement, but we weren't alone. You know the feeling?"
"Yeah. Jungle feeling."
"One difference, here."
"What?"
"Over in 'Nam, we didn't give Charlie the first bite."
174
"THE CAR is perfect, Mole."
He didn't answer.
"The Prof get back?"
"Yes."
"Good. Tell him everything's okay."
The Mole stayed silent.
"Pansy's all right?"
"Sure."
"Give her a pat for me."
He hung up.
175
INSIDE THE 'CUDA, waiting.
"I spoke to my sister last night. After you fell asleep."
"Violet?"
"Rose. I told her we were going to find the man who killed her. Told Mama too."
I didn't say anything. Watching her fine profile, smelling her smell.
"Burke…our gull, the one we saved?"
"Yeah?"
"He's okay now. I let him go this morning."
Time passed. The sniper didn't come.
176
THE PHONE RANG at Blossom's the next afternoon. Answering machine picked up.
"Blossom? It's Wanda, girl. Get off your big fat butt and pick up the phone."
Blossom snatched the receiver. Pieces of the conversation came through as I dozed. "This better be right, now. You talked to her yourself, Wanda Jean?" Schoolgirl giggles.
I closed my eyes. She was a different person. Again. Another piece of the puzzle. Letting me see her essence the way a stripteaser shows you her body.
Keeping the G–string in place.
A red lacquered fingernail gently scratched my cheek. "Wake up, honey. We got places to go."
177
VIRGIL WAS HOME from work, sitting at the kitchen table drinking a beer, Virginia standing next to him, one hand on his shoulder.
"Where's my hero?" Blossom asked.
"Out in the back, playing catch with Junior."
Blossom went out to get him. I sat down, caught Virgil's eye.
"Virginia…"
"I know. Go practice my piano."
He gave her a kiss. She flounced out.
I told Virgil what Blossom had in mind. He sipped his beer, thinking it through. Nodded.
"Reba!"
She came in from the back of the house, scarf tied around her head, flushed from doing some kind of work.
"What is it, Virgil? Afternoon, Burke."
"We're going out for a bit. We'll get supper out. Be back after dark."
"Okay. Is Lloyd going?"
"Yeah."
"I'll let Virginia watch Junior. Be careful."
178
VIRGIL DROVE THE Lincoln over to Calumet City, me next to him, Blossom and Lloyd in the back seat. Talking low.
"Here it is," she said. A neat white frame house, dark green trim around the windows, driveway along the side.
I knocked on the back door. A panel about half the size of a man's face slid back. Blossom pushed past me. "We've got an appointment," she said. "With Crystal."
The panel slid closed. Door opened. A slim man wearing a black–and–white–striped shirt with red suspenders led us into a formal parlor. Matching love seats, easy chairs, all done up in a light blue pattern, dark blue Oriental rug on the polished hardwood floor.
We took seats. A woman came in, tall, subtle makeup burying her age, black hair done up in a beehive. Blossom got up, put out her hand. "Miz Joyce, I'm Blossom Lynch. My mother was Tessie Mae Lynch, from Weirton, West Virginia. She spoke of you often—I'm pleased to meet you."
The tall woman took her hand, bowed her head slightly,