Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery Read online

  “You just broke up with him last month. Regretting it already?”

  “Not hardly. Kenny was nice but he…just didn’t have it.”

  “And you know you won’t have that problem with Jason.”

  They both giggled, finished putting their books away, then headed toward English Lit class. Halfway through Great Expectations, Jada realized she was dreaming of Jason Rules instead of Pip. She sat up straight, cleared her thoughts, and got back to reading. Two hours later, on her way to the bus, she felt a tap on her shoulder. When she turned, she almost gasped.

  “Jason! You scared me.”

  “Enough to go to the prom with me?”

  Jada couldn’t believe she was hearing this, but she played it cool, soooo cool. “What, nobody else would have you?”

  He leaned in real close, his breath warming her cheeks. It sent goose bumps up her arms.

  “You know that’s wrong.” Jason brushed his fingers against her neck, tucked her hair behind her ear. Kissed her. “So what’s it gonna be? I can’t be making my boys wait on me.”

  She cocked her head, as if she hadn’t said yes a million times in her heart already. “I guess we’ll make a good couple.”

  “You got that right, girl. We’ll couple for sure.”

  A horn beeped. He flipped them the finger. “Gotta go. We’ll catch up and figure things out.”

  Jada waited until he was out of sight then held her hands in front of her face and screeched. Then she giggled and laughed, running for the bus. Alexa was already there.

  “Girl, was that Jason Rules I saw you talking to?”

  Jada jumped up and down, screeching again. “Jason Rules—he rules.”

  “Jason Rules has got the tools.”

  Alexa and Jada laughed more, hugged each other as they got on the bus, and almost danced their way to a pair of empty seats.

  Kenny approached Jada, hands in his pockets, head hung low. “You going to the dance?”

  “Jason asked me,” Jada said, her head halfway to the clouds.

  “Jason Rules?” Kenny shook his head. “You could do better.”

  “Like you?”

  “Yeah, like me, but by the time you figure that out, you’ll be messed up. Forget I asked.”

  “I already did.”

  Alexa put her hand on Jada’s arm. “Don’t worry about it. He can’t ruin this day.”

  “You’re right about that. Nothing can ruin this day.”

  Half an hour later, after riding the bus to Alexa’s house, Jada caught a ride home with a friend. The houses in her neighborhood were three-bedroom ranch homes built in the fifties or sixties. Most didn’t have a garage. She waved to old Joe out sprinkling his lawn, and to Mr. Cobb tending his gardens, but mostly she thought about how to tell her mom that she wouldn’t be going to the prom with Kenny. Her mom liked him.

  Jada got out near the end of the street, walked up the short driveway and into the house. The door opened into the living room, which shared space with the eating area.

  Her mother was folding clothes from a basket on the table. “How was your day?”

  Jada tried containing herself but didn’t do so well. “I got asked to prom!”

  Her mother continued folding a towel but glanced in Jada’s direction. “Kenny?”

  “Another boy asked me first. I couldn’t say no, not this late; besides, he’s adorable.”

  Her mother kept folding towels.

  “Mom, you don’t understand. It’s Jason Rules, the most popular guy in school. And he asked me. Aren’t you happy?”

  Her mother finished the last towel, and then set the laundry basket down and hugged her. “Of course I’m happy, but…”

  “But what?” Jada pulled back, staring, afraid of what would come next.

  “What will you wear?”

  “We’ll have to get something.”

  Her mother’s face grew rigid, almost stern. “You know the situation. Nothing’s changed.”

  “Don’t we have any money?”

  “Where do you think we’d get money? Did you bring any in this week? Your father’s work is down by half.” She grabbed a dishtowel and tossed it to Jada. “You dry. I’ll wash.”

  Jada dried a few dishes, setting them on the counter. “What about Mars? Is he still going to jiu-jitsu?” She tried taking the anger from her voice.

  Her mother’s glare made Jada feel ashamed. “His classes have been paid for since the beginning of the year. And we don’t get refunds for canceling.” She washed the pan they’d cooked asparagus in and handed it to Jada. “Believe me, if we could get a refund, we would.”

  “How come I get shafted? You knew the prom was coming up.”

  Her mother turned off the water, set down the washcloth, and stared at her. Glared was more like it. Again. “Yes, I knew the prom was coming up, but I did not know that your father’s boss would cut his hours in half, or that he wouldn’t be able to find more work.” She looked ready to cry, but held it back. “And I did not know that every damn thing we need to live would go up in price. If I had known, maybe I would have found time to save money for your precious prom.”

  Jada cringed and looked away. She ran the towel across the bottom of the pan and wiped the inside. “I’m so sick of seeing dog hairs. I can’t wait till Scooter goes.”

  Her mother turned on her with fire in her eyes. “I know you don’t mean that. Tell me it was one of those stupid, stupid things that come out of a young girl’s mouth.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you.” When her mother didn’t say anything, Jada repeated it. “I really am sorry. And I really do love you.”

  Her mother stared at her for a moment then nodded. “All right. And about that prom, don’t give up yet. We may find a way. I can still sew a mean dress.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t need to go.”

  “What, and let poor what’s-his-name take a lesser girl to the prom?” They both laughed. Her mom wrung out the dishcloth and wiped the table. “He’d never forgive me.”

  “You’re the best, Mom. And by the way, his name’s Jason.”

  “You mean I’m the best mom if I figure out how to get you a dress?”

  “Either way, but that would make you the bomb.”

  She laughed. “I don’t know if I want to be the ‘bomb,’ but thanks.”

  “Did you go to prom with Dad?”

  Another laugh. “No. I went with Roger Mattens. At the time, I was certain I was going to marry him.”

  “But?”

  “But I met your father.” She sat in a chair and stared at a wall filled with pictures of pigs—a baker, a chef, a butler. More pig ornaments dotted the shelf hanging on the side wall. “I met him at prom. All night I pestered Roger to dance. And all night I watched your father tear up that dance floor.” She sighed. “He must have noticed me watching him. At the first chance, he asked me to join him. I looked over at Roger. He shrugged, so I went with your father.” She laughed. “We danced the rest of the night together. He took me home afterward.”

  “I bet you stopped for a little something, huh?”

  “Jada!”

  “Don’t act so innocent. I can count. I was born seven months after you were married.”

  Her mother tried to hide her blushing face. “Shame on you, Jada.”

  Jada rubbed her fingers together in a taboo signal. “Shame on you, Mama.”

  They laughed together like two girlfriends then hugged.

  “I’ll find some way,” her mother said. “You’ll have your prom.”

  Chapter 4

  The Real World

  Lonny pulled into the driveway. Before entering the house, he washed his hands and arms at the outside spigot, then brushed the cement from his clothes. His back ached, and his fingers were split and cut, but Lucia didn’t tolerate cement dust in her house. He mustered optimism from somewhere and wore it like a mask when he opened the door.

&nb
sp; “How are my favorite girls tonight?”

  Jada ran to him, hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

  “Whoa! Something’s going on. I don’t get this kind of greeting unless someone needs something, and badly.”

  “Daddy, I got asked to prom today by the cutest boy in the whole school. Maybe the whole world.”

  “That’s great.” He hugged her and patted her back. “I’m tickled for you. Who’s the lucky boy?”

  Lucia walked over. “I hate to interrupt this moment of joy, but what your daughter isn’t telling you is that she needs a prom dress.”

  Lonny had used all of his willpower on the fake smile. Nothing but frustration remained. “Jada, you know we don’t have money.”

  “Sorry, Dad. I didn’t know if—”

  “You didn’t know, or you didn’t think? Or maybe you just didn’t care.”

  She cowered. “Dad—”

  “‘Dad’ my ass. Did you bother to think how it makes me feel not being able to afford a dress for my only daughter? Your brother would never do that, he—” Lonny stopped. He went to his chair, where he sat, head buried in his hands. When Jada came to him, he got up and almost ran to the bedroom.

  ***

  Jada tried following but stopped short of going in. She backed up and went to her mother, falling into her arms. “I think Dad’s crying.”

  Her mother hugged her back. “Men cry too, dear. They just try not to let others know.”

  “What’s going on? Why is Dad crying?”

  Lucia led Jada to the kitchen. “Your father’s a proud man. Proud men have a lot further to fall when something goes wrong.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t know yet.”

  ***

  Lonny sat on the on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. For years, he’d taken care of his family—but now he couldn’t. He didn’t know how he would feed them, let alone pay the mortgage or electric bills. He was already one month late on the mortgage. Now, with no work…I can’t lose this house. I won’t lose this house.

  Then he remembered a conversation with a guy named Willard who arranged jobs for people. The problem with his work was that if Lonny got caught, he’d spend time in jail. Still, he had to feed his family.

  What the hell am I gonna do?

  He thought about his old truck, with dents in the back quarter panel and front fender, an engine that sputtered. How long could it last with 155,000 miles on it? Willard drove a two-year-old Mercedes, which got cleaned and waxed every week, at least from what Lonny heard.

  He was about to say no when he thought of Jada and how excited she was about that prom. His little girl all grown up. Then he thought about how Jada and Mars would feel if he lost the house. Where would they live?

  A big battle raged inside of him, and when it was over, Lonny had his decision. No matter what happened, his little girl was going to the prom, and she’d be picked up at this house.

  I’m keeping this house if I have to kill someone to do it.

  Chapter 5

  Desperate Times

  All night, Lonny fretted over his decision. Sometime between his third or fourth trip to the bathroom, sick to his stomach, he decided he wouldn’t call Willard after all. He’d find work somewhere, even if it meant doing odd jobs or cutting lawns. He’d shovel shit if he had to.

  Dilemma resolved, he finally got to sleep. It was late, maybe five AM when he nodded off, but he got up at six and smiled as he made his way to the kitchen. Looking for a job was as difficult as doing one, or so they said. He hadn’t done it for a long time, so he didn’t remember if the old saying was true. What he did know was that he had to get money before next month’s mortgage payment was due. It would be tough to dig out of this hole, but he was glad he’d decided to do it the right way.

  “Good morning, ladies.” He kissed Lucia and rubbed Jada’s head then playfully punched Mars in the arm. “You too, tough guy.”

  “Be careful, old man. I’ll take you down.”

  “Don’t even think you can come close to that.”

  “Ha! Did you see my take-down at the last competition? It had your name all over it.”

  Lonny laughed then went to get his coffee.

  “Sit down, Dad. I’ll get it,” Jada said.

  “This smells like bribery to me.”

  “It is bribery. I figure if I make you breakfast every morning and send you out healthy, you’ll be able to find more work in time for the prom.”

  Lonny grabbed his coffee and sipped it. “We’ll see. Don’t give up yet.”

  “I can quit my lessons,” Mars said. “I can go back later.”

  Jada leaned down and hugged him. “Little brother, nothing means more to me than this prom, except seeing my baby bro win competitions. But thanks for offering. You’re the best.”

  Lucia brought an omelet to the table and scooped some on each plate. “This is all there is. Enjoy it.”

  “Where’s yours?” Lonny asked.

  “I’m on a diet.”

  Lonny got up and grabbed another plate, scraping half of his onto it. “You’ll eat this, or I’ll throw it away.”

  Lucia stared at him, but when he didn’t back down, she smiled and kissed him. “All right, mister. Now sit and eat before it gets cold.”

  Lonny joked with the kids during breakfast then grabbed his boots and headed out the door. He drove to a new construction site they had just broken ground on to build a new school. He got there half an hour before the gates opened, first in line. When it was time, a man came to unlock the gates.

  “Foreman here yet?” Lonny asked.

  He pointed to a trailer. “Over there, but we’re not hiring, if that’s what you’re here for.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Mitch.”

  Lonny started off toward the trailer, praying all the way. He knocked on the door, his gut roiling, turning that omelet over and over.

  “Come in.”

  Lonny stepped up and opened the door. Once inside, he removed his hat. “I’m looking for Mitch.”

  There was only one guy in there, a tall blond-headed guy with a face full of freckles. His hardhat lay to the side, holding down one corner on a set of blueprints. A large glass ashtray held down the opposite side, cigar butts mounded high on thick, gray ashes.

  The man never stopped what he was doing, and he didn’t look at Lonny. “I’m Mitch. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m looking for work. I can do—”

  “Not hiring.”

  Lonny hesitated. Took a deep breath. “I can do concrete, brick, block, stone. Just about any masonry you got. I’ve even done a little stucco.”

  “I’m full, pal. Sorry.”

  Lonny’s hands moved along the rim of his hat, pressing it, squeezing. He had to get work. “Listen, Mr….Mitch, I’ll do anything right now. I’ll do labor, and…” He got the feeling he was about to be cut off again, so he hurried. “If you got anything, I’ll jump in and do it. All I need is a chance. I’m not like these kids today. I work. Tell you what, I’ll work a day for free, just to show you what I got.”

  “I’d like to help, but like I said, I’m full.” The guy still didn’t look up.

  Lonny started toward the door, but then stopped and turned back to Mitch. “Mr. Mitch, I know you said you’re full, and I understand that, but I…I’m gonna lose my house if I don’t get work. My kids…” He stopped before he embarrassed himself.

  Mitch put his pencil down, took his glasses off, and looked at Lonny for the first time. “What’s your name?”

  Lonny stood straight and put his hands at his side. “Lonny Hackett, sir. I been a bricklayer for sixteen years, and I—”

  Mitch stopped him. “I wasn’t kidding about not having any work, but keep checking back with me. Come by once a week and ask to see me personally. Tell them I said so.” He reached into a drawer next to the table, pulled out a business card, and handed it to Lonny. “In the meantime, go see this
guy—Brian Robinson. He’s running the new office project on Tomball Parkway. You know where that is?”

  “I know exactly where it is. I’ll go see him now.”

  Mitch held his hand out. “Tell Brian I suggested you see him.”

  Lonny shook his hand. “Thanks, Mitch, I really appreciate it. You can count on me being by every week if I don’t hook up with Brian.”

  Mitch smiled. “You do that. Good luck.”

  Lonny took the half-hour drive to Tomball Parkway, where he waited an hour to talk to Brian. He had no work for Lonny but referred him to another friend, who did the same. By noon, Lonny had talked to four superintendents and gotten the same story at each site—no work. When he ran out of places to go, he stopped at a few fast-food joints. He couldn’t even get a job there. Frustrated and desperate, he turned off the road into a parking lot of a closed-up restaurant. He opened his phone and took out a piece of paper with a number written on it. For a moment he just stared at it. Then he punched in the numbers for Willard.

  “Hello?”

  “This is Lonny Hackett. I’m looking for work.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Is this Willard?”

  “Ain’t no Willard here, and I’ve had this number six months or more.”

  “Sorry. I must have dialed wrong.”

  Lonny checked the number on the paper versus what he’d dialed. It was the same. Shit! He stopped at several corner stores he’d heard Willard frequented. They said they didn’t know him. About an hour later, on the way home, Lonny got a call.

  “Hello?”

  “Are you willing to do anything?”

  “Who’s this?”

  “I heard you been lookin’ for work.”

  “Willard?”

  “I don’t know Willard, but I hear you’re looking for work. I’ll ask one more time. Are you willing to do anything?”

  Lonny paused for a deep breath. He searched his soul for a reason to say no, but all he could think of was Lucia trying to give him her share of breakfast. And not being able to pay next month’s mortgage. “Yeah, anything.”