Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series) Read online

  Paddy questioned, “Where do we fit in with that?”

  “Well, unofficially a family of one of the missing men is not satisfied with progress and wants to conduct their own investigation. Mercedes trip is going to confirm what the FBI knows so far, and if a parallel investigation could help. I think she feels the Bureau is limited in what they can officially do since another country is involved. She said she’s in a position with that family to recommend our office. I shared Charlotte’s letter with her. Her thoughts were if that other private investigation actually got started we could combine Charlotte’s request with it.”

  “Sounds very interesting, Scott. Maybe we should let you date more often,” he said, laughing.

  “Well, I should have called Mercedes a long time ago. I think I might be seeing more of her in the near future.”

  “Scott, I think that will do you a world of good. You’ve grieved long enough. You look like the Scott we used to know,” Paddy said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “How did the conversation with her dad go?”

  I smiled, quickly responding, “I was apprehensive about that call, but he was very professional and made me quite comfortable. I was worried if he was going to bring up Melanie’s name, or that whole scenario.”

  Mike quickly added, “If anyone should have been uncomfortable with that conversation it should have been him…his daughter almost killed you.”

  Paddy held up his hand. “Scott, do we need to assist with anything you’re working on?”

  “No Paddy, thanks for asking. I’m going to drop off the Wang flows, and then the ball will be in their court for a few days. I’m okay. By the way, the people over at Wang have offered a mainframe setup for us, but I told them we do not have the space for it here. I should have let you deal with that, but I can always amend my answer. I think they realize our focus on business processes is going to be closely related to computers. They want us using their computers, and no one else’s.”

  “Can’t you just see Bill if he had a computer right in our office. We would need a much larger space, but we might just take them up on it…that is if you keep bringing in business.” He smiled, and looked at Mike. “What do you think Mike? Do you think we should make him our official bait?”

  “No Paddy, you’re forgetting Melanie almost made him that. By now she’s been long part of many a meal. I’m sorry, that was a little distasteful…but she did make four men food for the crabs. She got what she deserved. The other two women, who didn’t kill themselves, got life imprisonment.”

  “Okay Mike, you made your point. Scott, if you need any help with the real estate project, or Wang, just let me know. If Mercedes has information from her trip, maybe we can all meet with her. Keep it up Scott, and we’ll need bigger offices.”

  Mike held up his hand and commented, “Scott, one further comment, I’m really glad you’re going to be seeing Mercedes on a personal level. Lisa would not want you to spend the rest of your life focused on something you can’t change. You loved each other, you did the best you could—fate changed it, and you can’t alter it. You can only influence the future—go for it.”

  I got up and looked at Mike. “Thanks ‘coach.’” Coming from my ‘best man’ at our wedding, that was advice received as a close friend.

  Chapter 9

  The meeting with Stephen was very productive. He covered the existing process and problem areas. His suggestions were sound and could be implemented with some technology. I had enough information to rough out an existing process flow, and what the new process would look like.

  I told him I would need two days to put my material together. We planned on meeting Friday afternoon. His real estate operation was much larger than I expected. He not only listed and sold properties, but his company had a development arm which he had successfully expanded into an entity large enough to redevelop entire city blocks. No wonder he had the attention of some important people. I was amazed he had architects working in his own company. I even recognized one of my Harvard classmates.

  Stephen had red hair, but it was graying around the edges—that is, what was left of it. He was a tall man. I could see where Mercedes had developed her handshake. His hand dwarfed mine. It took a moment for the feeling to return. I was more prepared when I said goodbye, reminding me of Mercedes…but she had kissed me instead of giving me a handshake…pleasure versus pain.

  I noticed pictures on his credenza were of his wife and Mercedes’ Harvard graduation. There was no picture of Melanie to be seen. I remember the stories in the paper were cruel, tied Melanie’s ability to operate a slaughter house, because she was connected to his real estate office. However, as time passed, things got back to normal. It was obvious his business hadn’t suffered.

  *.*.*

  I put the finishing touches on the process flows and created some overhead slides. My presentation lasted about an hour with additional time for questions and answers. Stephen had many members of his real estate office in attendance and several people from his property development team. There were some suggestions made, which Stephen asked me to incorporate.

  Stephen was tickled to see his thoughts conveyed so thoroughly. We were going to use computers to provide full listings of available properties, sorted three different ways, and tied to the actual listing documents with a reference number. Any updates and changes would be incorporated in the new property listings and available on microfiche via the reference number.

  This approach gave even new agents a complete list of available properties, eliminating the time consuming manual process of updating hard copy listing books. It also eliminated much of the paperwork and cost of mailings. I was convinced it would be a real benefit to the Real Estate Board and manageable. I could envision how computers could be used in the near future to provide even greater efficiency and functionality.

  My task was to update the slides with the recommended changes and be prepared to meet with Stephen and the Real Estate Board as soon as he could set it up.

  Late in the afternoon, Stephen invited me back to his office. He pressed a button, revealing a well-equipped bar.

  “What will you have Scott?” He smiled, waving at the selection.

  I thought about asking for a beer. “I’d like a Jack on the rocks with a slight touch of water.”

  “Excellent choice, in fact I’ll join you.” He poured the drinks, and then waved me to have a seat in a lounge area near his personal conference table. When I sat down I felt like I was headed to South America. The chair was so soft it engulfed me. He just smiled at my reaction.

  “So Scott, you’ve met the best and worst of my family. What do you think of Mercedes?”

  I remembered my first response when Paddy asked me that question. “She’s quite the package.”

  He nearly choked on his drink. “What an excellent choice of words. We are really proud of her, but we would have preferred her to be in a different line of work. However, she’s found her niche and I’ve learned the hard way not to try to change her mind. She gave me part of a story about being stranded in a cabin on Christmas Eve with you. Would you care to share?”

  “No sir. If you want those details you need to get them from her. However, you’re very correct in not trying to change her mind once it’s made up.”

  “Nicely put young man. Scott I really enjoy your involvement with our project, or our two projects. Cheers…here’s to changing the future.”

  “I’ll drink to that.”

  *.*.*

  I enjoyed my time with Mercedes’ dad, but I will remember to limit my drinking to one drink. I’m not sure what I may have said after the second drink. He didn’t mention anything about it when we met with the Real Estate Board the following week.

  The meeting was a success. They asked us to set up an actual demonstration as soon as possible. We told them we would work out the details, but it would take a week to set up the equipment and process. We would do a selection of the listings for one of their territories including loading the
data into the computer for the listings. Our next meeting was scheduled for next week. Stephen provided a contact person in his office to fund what was needed. I worked out the details with Bill in our office on how to load the data and sorts required.

  I had been so busy with this project and my other work that it dawned on me that Mercedes had returned from her trip a while ago. When I got to my apartment that night, I decided not to wait any longer and called her.

  Chapter 10

  After several rings, I was just about to hang up as there was no answer.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello Mercedes, its Scott.”

  There wasn’t an immediate response on the other end and then, “Hi Scott. I’m glad you caught me. Actually, I was in the shower, but I thought I heard the phone ringing. Can you hold for a minute?”

  “I can call you back if you want?”

  “No, just hold, I’ll be right back.”

  She didn’t wait for any reply. I had seen her at the cabin after she showered. The image had been burned into my memory for ages. She had wrapped a towel around her, but it was way too small for the task. It wasn’t possible for it to cover the territory.

  “Hello again, I’m back. Thanks for waiting.”

  “You weren’t gone that long.”

  “Oh, I just dried off a little and put a towel on.”

  She stopped abruptly. I didn’t comment. However, I pictured what she might look like.

  “So Scott, you’re quiet all of a sudden. Does that bring back any memories?”

  She’s doing it again. “Yes, as a matter of fact it does.”

  “That’s my Scott…I can always count on your honest answers. In that case do you want to come over and dry my back?”

  I was caught somewhere between saying I would love to and not saying anything. “Maybe some other time would be better.”

  She laughed. “I’ll accept that.” She hesitated before adding, “Thanks for calling. What do you have in mind?”

  What I had on my mind I couldn’t say. “It’s Friday and I was wondering if you had plans for tonight?”

  She again hesitated before answering. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

  “Yes, I guess I am.”

  “You know I’ve waited years to hear those words…however…unfortunately, I have other plans.”

  I quickly offered, “I know it’s the last minute. I was just thinking you were back in town and I hadn’t called earlier this week. It’s okay. Maybe we—“

  “Scott, stop. My parents are having an office party and I was invited. I was planning on going stag, but if you wouldn’t mind being my date, we could still be together.”

  “I’d love to. How formal is the party?”

  “That’s great. Actually it’s a beach party theme, being held at one of their new condominium buildings in Revere. The dress is bathing suits, cover ups and clam diggers. The party is going to be right on the beach in Revere. I guess you still get credit for asking me out on a date.”

  “It sounds great. I like the sound of asking you out on a date.”

  “Now, you’re just trying to rack up points again. I guess I might have to start keeping score.”

  I took a deep breath, blurting out, “Can you pack a bag? I would like to take you to the Cape for the weekend.”

  She didn’t immediately reply. “Well mister, I can see you’re still shooting for that Kewpie doll…and the good news is you just won her. Let’s skip the party if you don’t mind and head to the Cape. I’ll call my dad and tell him the good news. I mean I’ll call him and tell him something else has come up that demands my immediate attention. That’s almost correct isn’t it?”

  “I’m sure if you have your way it will be.”

  She laughed and replied, “You might take a few years to get moving, but I think once you get it in gear you’ll be hard to stop. You know where I live. How soon can you be here?”

  “How about thirty minutes?”

  “I can’t even be dressed by then, let alone packed. So tell the doorman to have your car parked and come up to 2308. I’ll focus on packing, but I may need my back dried. Bye.”

  I could feel my heart thumping. I did it. I actually asked her out and even better I asked her to go away with me…and she accepted.

  Chapter 11

  I packed a soft-sided bag with what I thought I needed, but my mind wasn’t concentrating on what I was doing. Five minutes after I started, I was hurrying out of my apartment to my car. My car was a ’58 Bonneville convertible, although ten years old now, it was still in fine shape. I’m glad I had it washed today, the white paint lighting up in the moonlight. We might just ride to the Cape with the top down.

  Fifteen minutes later, I parked the car in front of Mercedes’ building and spoke to the doorman. I told him I needed to park the car for a while and was picking up Ms. Strong in 2308. He just smiled, saying he would take care of it. I gave him a five dollar bill, wondering if that was too much, or not even expected. Too late now.

  I got off the elevator and followed the room number signs. I found her room number, knocking on the door. There was no answer. I knocked again a little louder than the first time. There was still no answer. I checked the time, and I was on time. I looked for a door bell, but there wasn’t any. It was probably in the lobby area. I checked the door, finding it unlocked. I opened the door, calling for her. No reply. Her overnight bag was standing next to the couch.

  “Mercedes?” I listened, but no answer. I could hear water running. I hesitated a second before heading into the bedroom area, but she knew I was coming. “Mercy?” The water stopped. “Mercy?” I heard the metallic sound of the shower door, calling again, “Mercy?”

  “In here Scott.” I headed to the bathroom, finding her standing with her back to me, looking over her shoulder, holding the towel with an outstretched hand. “Good, you’re just in time to dry my back.”

  I was frozen in place studying her body. She was more incredible than I remembered. Somehow I found myself wiping her back with the towel. My heart was beating a mile a minute.

  She put her hands on the wall in front of her. “Oh my God, I’ve waited so long for this moment.” She said this with such a soft voice I could barely hear her. She slowly turned and her eyes were closed.

  Her white skin and red hair were an excellent contrast. I started to dry her off and she grabbed the towel and threw it over the shower door and commenced unbuttoning my clothes. I started to help her but she grabbed my hands, pushing them down to my sides.

  “No Scott. I’ll do this myself. It’s my reward for waiting this long. I’ve played this scene since we were in the cabin together. I think I can handle this part on my own, but I’m going to need your help in a minute.” She took more time than I thought was needed. “There, now I remember you.”

  *.*.*

  We never made the Cape and to be more precise, we never left her condo. She made me feel so wonderful. We filled a long-time void. I wondered now why I waited so long to call her. She shared her thoughts and I shared mine. I told her how much fun Lisa and I had together and how much I missed her. We laughed and cried together. It was interesting to hear her view of our time at the cabin. What she had done on purpose and what my reactions had been.

  Our love making was at times; exploratory, one-sided, then heated and passionate, slow and deliberate, but always rewarding. I had resisted her for so long that when the dam broke it broke with a flood of emotion. I was happy, I was sad, but I felt our being together was so right. Lisa would even be happy I had found someone to make me happy that I was still alive.

  Mercedes and I tried to focus on other things such as making something to eat. However, one thing or the other would eventually lead to a pleasant distraction. For example, on the second night, she pulled the drapes back and we viewed the Boston skyline, only to have it shortly interrupted with a study of each other.

  *.*.*

  It was soon Sunday night. I was getting ready to leave. T
he weekend went so quickly. Things had changed so much. The future would never be the same for either of us. We had both opened a door to find something much more incredible than we ever expected.

  I picked up my car keys. “You know I really have to leave this time.” I looked at her leaning with her back against the table in front of the open curtains and the Boston skyline behind her. I remembered a similar pose at the cabin years ago. “I really have to leave.”

  “I know. So leave. You’re not tied up any longer. You’re free to go. Just let me know when I can see you again.” She turned, looking out the large window.

  I went over and put my arms around her. The scent of Gardenia immediately poisoned my actions. I kissed her on the nape of the neck. She turned and we were kissing passionately again. Very soon I could feel the tears running down her cheeks. Moments later I was carrying her to the bedroom.

  Her alarm woke me the next morning. We made love again and then had breakfast. However it was interrupted. Then we showered and made love in the shower, and we made love again trying to get dressed. I guess I’m going to be late, and will have to buy the doughnuts. I’ll gladly buy the doughnuts every morning from now on if the nights are like this.

  It was hard saying goodbye in the hall. She was waving goodbye but all I could see was red and white. I hoped nobody else could see her. “Please give my best to Paddy and Mike.”

  She really knew how to make an entrance…and now my exit. Images that would keep me warm all day.

  *.*.*