First of Summer - 9

Chapter Nine: Dry Up

Seeing Ike dining with one of the breakfast patrons at The Usual was nothing out of the ordinary. The diminutive gentleman was the liaisons officer after all so it only stood to reason he would entertain a guest’s request especially when it was his presence they demanded.

“Thanks for seeing me.” A woman, face swathed in a dull-colored scarf, nodded. She had not removed the oversized hat whose brim easily covered the remaining features that her scarf had not concealed. Though she was dressed plainly, it was hard not to notice her given her height which was even more emphasized by Ike who was seated across her.

“Think nothing of it.” He wisely refrained from mentioning her name.

Nervously, the woman pulled her hat even lower over her face, “I heard you were asking about some girls, but sorry I ain’t got nothing that you don’t already know. I do know about where the stolen stuff is being kept.”

She leaned forward to whisper an address; lifting the hat just enough to give Ike a look at pale skin and rust-hued locks. Beady eyes narrowed suspiciously at the familiarity of the location mentioned, “Forgive me when I say I am doubtful of both the verity of your claims and the intentions you have for telling me.”

He spied her body go rigid but said nothing, opting instead to slip his finger through the ear of the cup filled with hot coffee. Taking a slow, measured sip, Ike gave the woman time to compose her thoughts and come up with a reason that would convince him. Minutes tick by; only the woman seemed uncomfortable with the silence.

“Let’s just say someone needs to be taken down a peg or two.” She finally stated. “Oh and tell Tennyson to watch her back.”

“Don’t you mean his back?” Ike quirked a brow, lowering the now empty cup back onto its saucer.

The woman towered over Ike as she rose; scarf hiding the nasty smirk on her lips, “You heard me right the first time.”

                                                            -------

From the door came three sharp raps, and without so much as lifting his head from the series blueprints covering his table Edwin bade whoever it was enter.

“Mr. Pride? Your nine thirty is here.” A buxom little brunette declared.

“Send them in.” The gray-eyed young man nodded to his secretary as he rose to greet his visitors.

Through the threshold walked two men, both in crisp, freshly pressed suits and ties. The younger of the two, a man familiar to Edwin outside of the realm of business, was the flaxen-haired heir to the Morningstar Motors fortune. Mike’s smile was bright, though it never quite reached his eyes as the blonde shook hands with Edwin.

“Thank you for coming, Michael.”

“Nonsense, it’s my pleasure. Virgil wouldn’t have anything to do at his hotel anyway.” Mike laughed before nudging the bald gentleman beside him. The bronzed youth received a sharp glare from the older man who was busy giving Edwin’s office the once over with obsidian eyes.

Seconds of tense silence passed before tobacco-stained teeth flashed in an approving smile.

Despite being over thirty years their senior, Virgil Generis still maintained a physique and an aura befitting that of one who was far more accustomed to a battlefield than an office. The fabric of his suit stretched over broad shoulders squared back with instinctive discipline, and rippled with each minute flex of his muscular arms. His square jaw and thick neck were hidden beneath the long, unkempt, platinum-hued beard.

Edwin supposed if you were a wealthy oil baron, you had no reason to care what society thought you should look like. Extending his hand, the dark-haired youth introduced himself “Mr. Generis, I’m Edwin Pride.”

The predatory grin never left Virgil’s lips as he accepted the proffered limb, “You’re the spitting image of your granddaddy when he was a young ‘un.”

“Thank you,” Edwin tried not to wince at the vice-like grip with which Virgil shook his hand. Gesturing to the empty chairs in front of his desk, “Would either of you like something to drink or eat while we discuss this proposition?”

“Coffee would be fine,” Mike replied without a backward glance as he sat down.

“Really? I pegged you more of a milk drinker.” Virgil drawled nastily as he closed in on his own seat in two long strides. “I’ll have coffee and a helping of waffles and a side of eggs. Sunny side up but cut the yolk out of the whites.”

Edwin nodded, not in the least perturbed by the demands the oil baron made, given the right circumstances the young Pride proved to be quite accommodating to even the most inane of whims. With the instructions for refreshments being carried out, Edwin could now focus on securing a new construction deal between the three companies.

Five minutes into the negotiation, the oil baron suddenly took control of the conversation.

“I’m gonna level with you, Pride.” Virgil began, “I’m a simple man with simple wants and simple needs. I don’t need more money. I’m more interested in making this dump we call a world a better place for the young ‘uns when they grow up. If this little community center you plan on making will do that, then just show me the dotted line to sign on.”

Neither Edwin nor Michael could believe the ease it took to seal the deal. “I’ll have the contract draft sent to your room as soon as possible, Mr. Generis.”

“Virgil’ll do, boy.” The larger man barked. “I don’t need to be reminded of my age. The changing times does that enough as it is. Now, if there isn’t anything else, I’d best be moseying on back to my hotel room.”

The dark-haired man nodded, “I’ll have a car ready for you both in just a moment.”

“No need, Edwin.” The blonde smiled as he rose, “My chauffer will be taking us back to Driscoll’s.”

“It’s a pleasure doing business with you both. Michael, if you ever decide to show Virgil The Usual, just let me know.”

The blonde stiffened, turning his back to Virgil before replying “I’m certain we’d love to have lunch there. No sense in risking an encounter with the spirits living in the old mansion.”

Virgil’s expression soured, “There ain’t no such thing as ghosts and you’re a downright fool for thinking there could even be such a thing, Morningstar.”

Edwin understood the emphasis the tanned youth placed on the word spirits, not to mention indicating the time they would visit and didn’t pursue the matter any further. Instead, he escorted both men down the building to the car awaiting them at the very entrance. Much to the doorman’s surprise as it was a rare occurrence to see the soon-to-be president of the company walking anyone to the exit, let alone their vehicle.

As Virgil crammed himself into the backseat, Mike lingered to speak with Edwin. “I hope this means we will have more favorable dealings in the future?”

“Only time will tell, but I prefer to have allies rather than enemies.” The younger man cordially stated.

Again the smile that never quite reached Mike’s eyes appeared, “Don’t we all?”

That certainly went better than expected, Edwin allowed himself a small grin of triumph before returning upstairs. Nothing could put the dark-haired man in a good (not to mention generous) mood quite like landing a new contract. I wonder if Ben is available for lunch.

Meanwhile, in the privacy of the quickly speeding vehicle, Michael turned to Virgil, “What do you think of Pride?”

“Good head on his shoulders, pragmatic in spending his cash, interested in helping his fellow man.” The large man almost sounded impressed, were it not for the frown on his face. “Mighty big shame he owns a speakeasy. And like that Levin boy, Pride’s gotta go. You’ll take care of all that, won’t you, Morningstar?”

This time, the cold smile reached the blonde’s eyes as he nodded, “Indeed I will.”

                                                            -------

The clocks in the Tennyson household read quarter past ten on their face before Gwendolyn finally came down the stairs. Her cousin had given up trying to rouse her for breakfast over two hours prior and simply told her if she wanted to eat she’d have to cook for herself that morning.

It was a task she neither begrudged nor feared.

Yawning and wiping her eyes clear of the last traces of sleep, the young woman moseyed into the kitchen to make herself something to eat. She was certainly in a good mood, as evidenced by the spring in her step and the cheerful hum dancing together with the smile on her lips. There wasn’t any particular reason for her to be so chipper, at least none that she would like to admit.

As she lit the stove, the phone suddenly rang.

“Hello?” Gwen answered.

“Nice to hear you’re finally up, sleepy head.” Her cousin’s voice teased from the other end.

“Ben, is there a particular reason you’re calling?” She asked.

“You bet, Gwen! Guess who finally has enough time for an actual lunch hour?”

The excitement in Ben’s voice amused the red-head, “You?”

“No! Well, yeah, can’t believe I’m actually all caught up with my paperwork for once. But I’m not the only one who’s got time.” The grin on his face was near audible, “Edwin’s swinging by with some news so I figured since you’ve probably got time, why not join us for lunch? It’s the perfect way for me to introduce you to my friends!”

Gwen canted her head, “Edwin? Why does that name sound familiar?”

“Family friend, you remember? The Prides?”

With the name and a snap of her fingers, Gwen recalls the surly, stand-offish boy her cousin had introduced her to during a family reunion many years ago. “Does he still have a frown permanently stuck on his face?”

“Hey, he can crack a smile if he feels like it!” The brunette claimed in defense of his close friend. “So you up for another free lunch?” The moment the words left his mouth Ben wanted to smack his face. He could already picture the pursed lips and the quirked brow that was sure to form on Gwen’s face. The notion would have bothered the young woman, had Ben not quickly followed up with “Yeah, so you better not order anything too pricey.”

Gwen allowed herself a smirk, “I’ll order what I please. I have my own money.”

Ben suppressed a sigh, “Don’t I know it. Anyway, we’ll drop by the house around noon. There won’t be any unexpected or unwanted guests today, will there?”

There came the rolling of emerald eyes, “No, Ben, I don’t think you have to worry about Ke-”

“Copacetic!” Ben hastily cut in, “See you later.”

                                                            -------

Cigarette smoke wafted about the room in thick plumes, curling and twisting before dissipating to merge with the faint haze slowly forming. Four individuals sat, encircling the felt-covered table, each holding a hand of cards.

“You’re pulling my leg.” Kevin frowned in dismay at the bit of information he had received from Charmcaster.

“No I’m not, hun. I spoke to Sublimino myself, says he enjoyed his time at our joint so much he’ll be spending his evenings here for the rest of his stay in New York.” The Madame grinned before playfully licking her lips, “You never told us about his show though.”

“Heh, betcha he was too busy to pay attention to the pipsqueak’s act.” Fingers leered. Of Kevin’s men, only Fingers and Rocky could ever tease the dark-haired man without fear of retribution.

“You’re half right about that.” The younger man grinned, “But I thought we were here to discuss shop? What’s the word on why some of our sources have been making like Charmcaster’s girls and our runners and drivers?”

“They haven’t been showing their faces not because they’re sleeping with the fishes,” Rocky answered before reluctantly folding out of the game. “They got paid off to stay away.”

Brows knitted in disbelief and suspicion, “Takes a lotta dough to convince someone to cross us and the Tricks. What say we pay one of our old friends a visit later tonight?”

“You’re not planning on sweeping Tennyson off her feet?” Charmcaster smirked while raising the ante of the game.

“What’s one night? I only need a few more days with her and I’ll have her eating out of my hand.” Kevin declared. “’Sides, you all know how I prefer to take care of business before pleasure. The question now is which of you two is gonna tag along?” he turned to the two muscular gentlemen, both having folded at this point.

“I might need Fingers tonight, hun. A little birdie told me we’re in for an influx of deadbeats.” The sole woman explained.

Fingers looked mighty pleased, cracking his knuckles in anticipation. Rocky didn’t mind being overlooked, perfectly fine with accompanying Kevin along with a number of men they would be bringing.

“That settles it then. Now deal another hand, I plan on cleaning you out, Charmcaster.”

“You can try, hun.”

                                                            -------

The noon-day sun found Gwendolyn riding in the backseat of a car, flanked by two men of her age. To her left was Benjamin who was still in uniform and to her right was Edwin who sported his suit and tie. Garbed in a simple dress whose sleeves met her wrists and whose skirt stopped short of her instep, the red-head felt she made the right choice in her clothes.

“Wowee, Tennyson, why didn’t you tell us your cousin’s a real looker?” The young driver’s grinned cheekily. There was something about the easy-going manner with which he spoke that made his observation more endearing than uncomfortable to Gwen.

“Because it wouldn’t even occur to him.” The stoic, muscular man beside him supplied impassively for Ben. “You’ll have to forgive Ace, Miss Tennyson, his mouth tends to work faster than his brain.”

“And you’ll have to forgive Casey for being a big ol’ wet blanket.” Ace laughed, nudging the blonde teasingly while maintaining complete control of the fast-moving car. Casey merely grunted, not in the least bothered by the younger man’s words. There was no point in denying the truth as far as he was concerned.

The red-head chuckled in amusement, “You certainly have interesting friends, Ben. How did the four of you meet?”

“I met these two knuckleheads through Edwin. They work for him but we became pals real quick.” Her cousin explained.

Ace chattered with the enthusiasm of someone who may have had one too many soda drinks. “And we’re sure lucky to have Edwin as our boss.”

At this statement, Casey nodded his assent.

“So Gwen, Ben tells me you’re gainfully employed despite it being your summer vacation?” Edwin asked, subtly eyeing her.

“Yes, I am.” She braced herself for any smart remarks the dark-haired man might make. But none comes, and she would soon find to great relief that Edwin showed far more tact with his opinions than her cousin or Kevin for that matter. Gwen found it strange that she should be thinking of the older, russet-eyed man given how little he must have in common with the pride of the, well, Pride family.

Must be the hair. And the suit. She reasoned while they continued to converse.

It wouldn’t be long before she changed her tune as Ace pulled up at a large mansion that now fronted as an establishment of fine dining. The trio alighted from the vehicle and were greeted by the maitre‘d. “Ah, Mister Pride, your table has been prepared as you had requested.”

Ben grinned, noticing the confused expression on his cousin’s face as they were escorted past the dining area and towards the kitchen doors. As they stepped into the ballroom, Ben’s knowledge of how speakeasies worked was made clear to the young woman.

“Welcome to The Usual, Gwen.” The brunette beamed.

A diminutive gentleman whose height reminded Gwendolyn of the performer Sublimino approached them with the same deadpan expression as the muscular blonde, Casey. His eyes however were far colder and more calculating than the bodyguard’s. “Sir, I must speak with you about something when you have the time.”

“Of course, Ike, after lunch would be fine unless you’d care to join us?” Edwin offered.

The bald man shook his head, “No, I wouldn’t want to intrude.” And he excused himself.

“If you thought Casey was a wet blanket, Ike’s an even bigger one. No pun intended.” Ben whispered, completely serious.

“Is he another friend of yours?”

“Ike doesn’t really allow himself any friends.” Edwin answered as the three of them arrived at a booth at the far end of the room. Gwen slid into the inner seat with Ben following after, Edwin took his place across the cousins as he continued “But he’s a man of principle and integrity, a real rarity in these times. It wasn’t easy convincing him to work for me, but the effort and the expenses were worth it.”

“Just how many speakeasies are there in New York?” Gwen couldn’t help but ask.

The two men turned to each other, as if consulting on who had the honors of answering. Ben decided as the blood relative he did, “Two.”

Gwen blinked, “Just two?”

“There used to be a little over a dozen struggling speakeasies, but with between my effort and a certain individual’s, we managed to whittle down the competition to its current state.” Edwin shrugged with such a practiced nonchalance that Gwen found herself thinking of Kevin again. And at the thought of the other dark-haired man, something in Gwen’s mind clicked.

“This lunch is more than just a social call, isn’t it Ben?” She glared.

The brunette stared blankly at her briefly before turning to Edwin for help. The gray-eyed man had an idea of what Gwen mean and her accusation had some hint of truth to it, “It doesn’t have to be unless you want it, Gwen.”

“No. No! No!” Ben gasped, suddenly catching on. “I am not going to ask my cousin to spy on Kevin and I am not going to let you ask her either, Ed!”

“Gwen should be safe, word has it he’s keen on her.”

Ben scoffed, “He’ll tire of her, like all the other dames.”

“Excuse me. I’m right here!” She snarled, “And I cannot believe you’d even think I’d consider such a thing even if you are my cousin.”

“Hey I ain’t the one who brought it up.” Ben countered, “You’re the one who suggested the whole thing, not me. I just thought this would be the only time I’d ever get to introduce you to my friends since none of them are welcomed at Kevin’s. I get the bum’s rush if I so much as look at the joint.”

“Then explain how you were still inside Charmcaster’s shop when I got there yesterday.” Gwen frowned, folding her arms across her chest. She was too angry to notice the look of surprise that flashed briefly on Edwin’s face.

“I was there on official police business.” The brunette shot back.

“How convenient.” Gwen rolled her eyes.

“Convenient or not, I apologize if I gave you both the wrong impression,” Edwin spoke with genuine sincerity. “When Ben told me of your place of employment the thought did cross my mind but it’s something far too dangerous and far too much for me to ask of you. This really was supposed to be nothing more than a simple lunch to become acquainted with each other.

“After all, our grandfathers go way back and it would be a shame if we can’t carry on the legacy of friendship over something as minor as a misunderstanding.” He finished simply.

With an embarrassed sigh, the fury in Gwen’s eyes died down from a fiery inferno to smoldering embers. She didn’t want to admit it, but Ben’s comment had upset her in a manner she thought unlikely. The red-head wasn’t about to admit this to either of the two men she was with, least of all herself. “I, I’m sorry too. I don’t know what came over me. I’m not usually this testy.”

Ben was about to make a remark pertaining to spending too much time in an undesirable place such as Kevin’s speakeasy. But with the warning glare Edwin shot him, he decided against it. Instead, the brunette added his own two cents, “Yeah you were, back when we were kids. You’d holler and pitch a hissy fit whenever I pulled your pigtails.”  

“And you cried like a girl when I shoved your face into the mud.” She countered with a smug grin. “No, wait I’m wrong. It wasn’t mud, it was pig slop.”

Edwin just chuckled at the likelihood of the two cousin’s claims. “What have you been up to, Gwen? Before coming to New York I mean.”  

“I graduated from university and have been working on getting my teaching degree. I should be a certified instructor come next summer.”

Ben added, “Any plans on you coming for another visit?”

“We’ll see how this summer pans out first.” She shrugged good-naturedly.