chapter 58
Larry stood back in his living room and admired his masterpiece. The space under the stairs was done. The door was perfect. He had checked the alignment several times, holding up a level to ensure it was straight. The bubble immediately floated to the center space between the two lines. He was thrilled. Nothing made him happier than a perfectly straight line.
He opened the door and peered into the small space. It was cramped, nothing fancy, but it was also temporary. It would do just fine.
Larry’s triumph was not long lived. There were still things to do. He had taken the day off from work, calling in sick. It wasn’t really a lie, he was sick, sick of his job. Thinking about the drones at the bookstore made him physically ill.
He studied his doorway to the space under the stairs one more time, noticing a slight speck of black on the frame. He quickly got the matching paint and covered the imperfection. One more look, and he was satisfied.
Larry put away his supplies, vacuumed the floor for the third time that morning and wiped down the dusty furniture. His townhouse looked immaculate. Just as he wanted it to be.
Grabbing his keys Larry slipped into his small car and headed on to I-95 north. He cruised up the highway listening to WORR. He heard Dana’s break live from Paradise Island and turned up the radio.
“It’s Saturday, it’s sunny and I am having a blast. The Paradise Island Hotel and Casino is truly paradise. I’ve had incredible food, played in the casino and am getting ready to go snorkeling this afternoon. If you want to get away, this is the place.”
Dana’s sultry tones excited him as he sped up the road, hopping on I-595 westbound. Larry noted how relaxed and happy Dana sounded. He was glad. Her happiness was important to him. It would only make their future, their immediate future, he corrected himself, even better.
Fortunately traffic westbound was very light on this beautiful, cool Saturday afternoon. Larry rolled down his window and turned the radio louder. They were playing his favorite heavy metal song. The angry words and pounding drums pushed him to the edge of anger and excitement. It was a heady mix. He put his foot on the gas pedal and let the engine roar, eating up mile after mile with rage filled intensity. He sped onto I-75 west crossing onto Alligator Alley, a desolate road surrounded by the everglades. Tall faded green sawgrass sped by him as he looked out on the lonely horizon. Large turkey vultures circled over the swampy marsh looking for their next meal. Larry identified with the large ugly bird that loomed overhead waiting to strike. Like them, success was just a matter of time...and his time was now.
The long drive gave Larry time to reflect on his life. No one had ever imagined the complexity of his mind. No one ever took the time. He thought The Bitch had tried to get to know the real Larry. She acted like she liked him and pretended to take an interest. She’d sit with him and listen to stories of his lonely childhood. Nodding in sympathy, she’d rub his back and arms with kindness, prodding him to dig deeper and reveal more about himself. After an hour or so, she’d gather her things and ask for some money, which he obliged. That was the deal, but Larry grew close to her. She was very skinny, too skinny, he’d always tell her. She liked to wear cheap looking red leather skirts and black fishnets. “Buy something nice for yourself,” he’d say as he’d hand over some cash. She’d smile and say okay, but the next time he’d see her she’d still be in her ratty black sweater and worn leather skirt. Larry was taken by her youthful looks. Stringy brown hair and sad brown eyes. Larry saw himself in her soul.
They were in love. Larry would hold her and kiss her and feel things he never thought possible. But when he asked her to see him outside the seedy motel where they’d usually meet, she faltered.
“I can’t Larry, you know our arrangement.” Her voice was childlike.
“Yes, but I want to go to a restaurant with you or to the movies.”
“Larry that’s just not possible.”
“But...”
“I’m sorry,” she said, gathering up her things, “I have to go. Do you have my money?”
“Why do I have to pay you to be with me?”
“Because that’s my job, you pay for my time.”
“People in love don’t pay each other to be with them.” Larry was confused. She listened to him with kindness, touched him with softness. If this wasn’t love, what was?
She spun toward him. “I’m flattered, I really am, but this is business.”
“I thought we meant something to each other.”
“We do...but I need my money now. I have to go.” She looked anxiously at her watch.
Larry grabbed her roughly by her arms.
“You’re hurting me.” She winced in pain.
He released her arms, scared at his own reaction. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I love you.”
“Well I’m not available to be loved. I need my cash Larry.” The little girl grew up fast - money was an aging tool.
Sadly, Larry opened his wallet and pulled out some money. “Get something nice for yourself,” he said, denying to himself what the transaction was really about.
“I’ve gotta go. Bye.” She quickly picked up her purse and left.
Larry tried calling her later, but she didn’t return his calls. He tried to set up other dates, but that too failed. Larry never heard from her again.
And so the love of his life became The Bitch. Larry vowed he would never be hurt like that again.
He tightened his grasp of the steering wheel thinking of her, then let his mind wander to Dana. Dana was different. Dana has class.
He plowed through the tall grass into Naples, Florida, clear on the other side of the state. This wealthy town was calm and serene...quite different from the frenetic pace of Miami. He liked it for that very reason. He felt a million miles away, not just two hours from his home. No one knew him here. Larry liked it that way. He turned his car down a palm-lined street, parking it in the far spot of a busy shopping mall. He then walked on foot five blocks to Talbot Motorcars.
Larry stepped into the luxurious showroom out of breath. Classic cars and fantasy sports vehicles filled the wood paneled floor. Larry felt important just walking in there. He caught his breath, then approached the main counter.
An older man greeted him.
“What can I do you for?” he asked, running his hand through his thinning white hair.
“My name is Fred Holden,” Larry said calmly, feeling his well thought out pseudonym roll off his tongue. “I reserved a limousine for rental.”
The man flipped through his leather-bound book. “Yes, Mr. Holden, I have your vehicle ready for you. A Lincoln Town Car, quite a beauty.”
“Wonderful.”
“I’ll get you the keys...she’s got a full tank, I’ll expect that when you return her.”
“Of course.”
“Just sign here,” he pointed to a line on the contract, “and we’re good.”
Larry glanced over the rental agreement and signed it.
“Fantastic. All I need now is your credit card.”
“I’ll pay with cash.”
The man stepped back. “I usually like a credit card to guarantee you’ll bring her back.”
Larry pulled out a wad of cash and peeled off some bills, just like he’d seen done in so many movies. “Is this good enough?” he asked, handing him quite a bit more than the required deposit.
The man smiled broadly. “Yes, sir, that’ll do just fine. I’ll have them bring the car around. And you’ll have her back...?”
“Monday night,” Larry said firmly.
“Yes, sir, Monday night.”
Larry turned and walked outside. The black, shiny stretch limo pulled around. A freckle faced teenager hopped out of the car and handed him the keys.
“Thank you,” Larry said, sliding behind the wheel. He pulled out of the lot smoothly and turned onto the road. The car was roomy and comfortable. Larry settled into the seat, finding his way around the dashboard. There were controls for music, air temperature and a button to raise and lower the divider between the driver and the passengers. For the first few minutes of driving, Larry pressed every button, learning the car. By the time he reached I-75 heading east, Larry felt he knew the limo inside and out. He practiced all of the features as he drove back across the state of Florida to Miami. When he reached his townhouse he felt like a professional limo driver.
And that was exactly what he was supposed to be.