Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
ELENA
After getting dressed, I slid into the Land Rover and drove to work. I’d gotten used to this car now and didn’t want to think about having to return it when this project was over. I’d look for another car soon, but not right now.
I didn’t realize just how bad Channel 7 had gotten. How could anyone work in a place full of snakes? I couldn’t trust anyone except for two staff assistants who were looking for new jobs as well.
Jill and Brett had texted me this morning, asking how I was doing. I told them the truth. I was angrier that I couldn’t defend myself than not having a job. It was ironic that something so twisted occurred at a news station that should have delivered truthful news. From what they told me, a new company had bought over NewsCom Group, which owned Channel 7 News. The reorganization was already happening with more layoffs on the way.
Everyone was nervous except Chantel Henderson because the Henderson Family had shares in NewsCom. Her family probably secured a safe position for her.
I was too tired to entertain the anger that bubbled every time her name came up. She was probably the one who framed me. Who else had a reason? I needed time for things to settle before I could find proof.
Today was reserved for work, the only job I had now. The next debt payment to my uncle was due by next week, so I’d need to drop it off in a few days. My mom would return from her Bermuda trip soon, and I had to look for a massage chair for her as well.
I dreamed of a bird last night, and I took that as a sign that The Condor’s murder needed my full attention. When I stepped off the elevator, I didn’t see Ralph. The lights automatically flicked on for me as I walked down the hallway toward Orion’s office. It was strange to be the only person on this massive floor. What did he have on the other side of the office? Was it storage for all the businesses below?
I entered his office, and his masculine scent embraced me. I could’ve gone back to my office after reviewing the board he displayed in the corner, but I wanted to be in his office. His things reminded me of him. The office definitely needed a woman’s touch. It needed more color, something to soften the masculine table, chairs, bookcases and such. All the books and files on his bookshelves were too neat. I wanted to move them a little. His desk needed a plant. Actually, a few plants in the office would bring the room to life.
I could swing by Wild Roots to pick up a few things.
Turning my attention to the board, I stared at the images of The Condor, places he’d visited, and people he knew around the New England area. I narrowed my focus to the businesses in Providence.
I was familiar with two of the locations on the list. It was a small coffee shop that I hadn’t visited since high school. They sold delicious Colombian and Peruvian pastries. The other place was a laundromat my mom and I had used when our washer and dryer broke.
I walked back and forth in front of the board, imagining Orion doing the same as he pondered the details. The Condor was a thief, making me wonder about Orion’s involvement in that world. He had the skills but had refused to give me details when I’d inquired.
Was Orion a professional thief? What should I do if he was?
Focus on The Condor’s death, Elena.
The more I read the files and studied The Condor, or rather, Pablo, the more he fascinated me. What prompted him to become a thief? Based on his financial report, he didn’t need to. He had half a billion dollars in his several bank accounts.
Perhaps he had this money when he first started out. Still, I wanted to know what made someone choose thievery. Did he steal people’s money? Were they his enemies?
Orion’s words appeared in my mind. He was my teacher.
I had thought he meant a teacher in the business arena. But now I wondered if Orion was his protégé. But why? How?
Orion was the wealthiest man I knew. He didn’t need to steal. He didn’t even need to work.There was so much I didn’t know about him. If Orion wanted my help, he had to be honest with me. I had to know the entire story. Most of all, I wanted to understand him.
I’d ask when he returned. I smiled as I remembered waking up to his text.
Orion: Are you working hard, Sunshine? I miss my dandelion tea.
I had to get used to this sunshine thing. No man had called me that, and I’d never considered myself to be the light for anyone.
Elena: Sunshine is always working hard to brighten your day.
That had been cheesy, but I didn’t care. He’d heard about Channel 7 letting me go and asked how I was doing. Apparently, Chantel told him I’d been fired. Why was she there with him? That bothered me even more than me losing my job. I didn’t want to continue the conversation and told him we could talk when he returned.
To make myself feel better, I concentrated on The Condor’s case. I grabbed my purse and headed to the laundromat. The answering machine from the café informed me of the shop’s hours. I’d swing by there if I had time today.
Tumble Dry had grown in size since I last visited with my mom. I entered, walked up to the counter, and smiled at a man I recognized. But he wore glasses and had a white beard now.
“Hi, Mr. Wong! Do you remember me?”
He stared at me for a while, then grinned. “Elena!” He rounded the counter and offered me a hug.
Though I’d only visited his laundromat a few times, Mom and him became good friends, exchanging traditional food recipes. He used to let me watch TV in his office while I waited for my laundry.
“How are you doing? I miss watching you on Channel 7.”
“I’m doing other things now. How’s everything? You well? How are your kids?” I asked.
I’d never met his wife. She’d died from an illness when she first came to America.
“Thomas lives in California with his family, and Stacey lives in Boston. She visits often.”
“I’m so happy to hear that.” I held up a picture of Pablo. “Do you know him? He lived in an apartment not too far from here. He was murdered.”
Willam Wong took the photo and his eyes warmed. “Of course, I know Pablo. All the regulars who come into this laundromat know him. Kind man. Very generous. It’s sad what happened to him.” He gave the photo back to me. “Are you working for a PI?”
“A close friend of Pablo asked for my help.”
“Come.” He waved me to the back of his office, which also had a TV screen showing various angles of the laundromat. Two people sat in the corner glued to their tablets.
I sat down at a couch with a coffee table.
“Want some jasmine tea?” he asked.
“No, thank you.”
He sat across from me, sipped his tea, and placed the cup down. “Pablo used to come here whenever he was in town. He had his own washer and dryer, but he liked coming here to talk to people. People loved him. He’s helped a lot in the community.”
“How did he help them?” I took out my little notebook, preparing to take down notes.
“Paying their rent, their utility bills, buying them food, and making sure their little ones had money for school supplies.” He sighed, looking sad. “I remember how the Browns, the Smiths, and the Nguyens were so grateful for his assistance. Winter months in New England are difficult, and paying for heat is always a challenge. Oil and gas prices are horrendous.”
“Pablo sounds like he was a good man.”
“He was.” Mr. Wong placed a hand to his heart. “When we found out he was murdered, the community did a small memorial in the community garden for him. They planted an apple tree in his honor.”
My heart warmed. These were the kind of stories that belonged in Musepaper. Stories that inspired people; stories that showed the positive side of humanity.
By the time I left Tumble Dry, I felt like I’d gotten to know Pablo. He would be someone I admired, respected, and wanted to be friends with. Mr. Wong even called up a few customers so they could give me details about Pablo. I appreciated that everyone wanted to find his killer. The info I’d gathered today didn’t give me any clues to why someone wanted him dead. No one saw anything suspicious in the days prior to his death.
As I headed to my car, I planned on adding a folder to the shared drive for Orion’s review. He probably didn’t know the effect Pablo had on the community. I drove to the community garden and studied the apple tree that stood tall and proud. Perhaps next year, it would bear fruits for the people to enjoy. Even in death, he would continue to give to those who mattered to him.
I didn’t know why, but I started to cry. I didn’t know this man, but his deeds had touched me. I took a photo of the tree and the boulder with his name engraved on it. No one was in the garden, so I took my time studying the herbs and flowers.
I slid into my car, getting ready to head to Mona’s Café when my phone rang.
I answered with a grin. “Hi, Elliot. About time you called. How’s Milan?”
“Incredible, darling. Everything is finalized. The previous owner will stay for the next month to help me transition. All the stylists here are talented! The salon is so chic, and my list of clients has doubled in the last week alone. The move is official. You must come visit.”
I could hear the joy in his voice. Elliot had talked about opening a salon in Europe, and this opportunity appeared at the right moment.
“Oh, I will. Is Jake excited too?” I asked.
“He’s very excited. He’ll be helping with the business side of things for the salon. Anything new with your slingshot?” he purred.
“It’s going okay.”
“Why do you sound sad?”
“I’m not sad. Just stressed.”
“When are you not stressed? But you can deal with it better than most people.”
“I do?”
“Yes, you do. You feel the pressure, you see the problem, you find a solution, and you move toward it. Most people get stuck in one place.”
I thought about his comment. “I analyze, but I don’t spend days lingering on the issues. Mostly because they don’t solve themselves.”
“I’ve learned a lot from you.”
“Are you keeping Salon Oasis or selling it?” I asked.
“Not sure yet. What’s gotten you stressed?”
“Channel Seven News fired me.” I briefed him on it.
“It had to be Chantel,” he huffed. “If she ever comes into my salon, I’m turning her hair pink. Use this time to find a new job. At least you’re working for Slingshot. Are you dating him yet?”
“No.” But I imagined what it would be like to be his girlfriend.
“You’re his fake girlfriend, remember? This could be a fun thing to continue.”
I had forgotten. “It was a temporary thing during a crisis moment, Elliot. That event is over and there’s no need to pretend anymore.”
“Did he say that?” Elliot inquired.
I could imagine the wheels turning in his head. He was always coming up with creative plans to find me the perfect man.
“No.” I remembered Orion’s comment. “Actually, he said to keep pretending so men won’t bother me.”
“See?” Excitement filled his voice. “He wants you. I think this fake dating thing could be exciting. Have fun! Explore! You’ve got no limits. Show Slingshot how to step outside of his comfort zone. He’s got those immaculate looks, so your job is to get him dirty.”
I laughed. “Maybe.”
Would Orion agree to get dirty for me? I tried to imagine him covered in dirt and couldn’t. Plus he was still wearing the ring on his necklace...
“Gotta go now, darling. We’re heading to a party. Talk soon. Ciao !”
I tucked my phone into my purse and drove to Mona’s Café. I found parking along the street, got out, and glanced around. The café was in the corner of a residential area with a community park that was well cared for. It had changed so much since high school. More shops had crowded the retail strip.
I entered the small café and inhaled the lovely aroma. A bench had been added for extra seating by the window. Two customers were at the counter paying for something. I walked up and glanced at the pastry assortment, and my mouth watered. There was no way I’d leave this place without buying something.
They had everything my grandmother used to make. I used to love picarones, which were sweet, dripping donuts.
When the two customers left, I smiled at the sales associate. The woman wearing a pink apron had curly hair and a friendly face. “How can I help you?”
I pointed to the display case. “I’d like two picarones , two alfajores , and one pionono , please.”
“Where are you from?” she asked. “You grew up in America?”
“I was born here. My grandmother was from Peru. She used to make these. But she’s not with us anymore.”
“Life is too short. Enjoy it while you can.”
“I agree. I had a friend who used to come in here often. Do you know him? Pablo.”
She studied me for a moment as sadness washed over her face. “Yes. He was a regular at the shop. Traveled a lot though. It’s sad what happened to him. We’ll miss him.”
I nodded. “The police haven’t caught the murderer yet. They’re taking a long time.”
“They always do.” She rubbed her thumb and finger together. “If you want results, you need to know someone. Or have money or pay for a private investigator.”
“I run an independent online newspaper. I’m not getting paid by anyone. No company owns me. I just want to find out who killed him. If you’re comfortable, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I can keep you anonymous.”
She considered me for a moment. “What’s your name?”
“Elena Sanchez. What’s yours?”
Recognition splashed across her face. “I remember you. Uncover the Truth! What happened to that show? My name is Mona.”
I sighed. “I don’t work there anymore. The company is taking a new direction.”
With a pout, Mona rubbed her thumb and fingers together again. “Money talks.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Then Mona looked past me, and her expression changed to surprise and something else. She glanced around the shop. When she didn’t see anyone, she turned toward the back. “Pedro, can you man the counter? I need to help a customer with something.”
A man with a beard wearing a pink apron emerged from the back room. He looked at me and nodded.
“Elena is trying to find Pablo’s killer.”
Pedro gave me a thumbs up. “A good man. Helped us out many times.”
Mona sat down on the bench, and I sat beside her. “Pablo helped us open this shop. He lent us the money, but when we paid him back, he wouldn’t take it. Instead, he told us to donate it to a local charity that assisted immigrants. That’s what we did.”
Why couldn’t my uncle be like Pablo? Here was a stranger helping others and not asking for anything back. But I had an uncle who not only wanted the money, he also slapped on huge fines just because he could.
“That’s very nice of him,” I said, making sure I was careful not to reveal too much. Though Mona seemed like a nice person, I had to be cautious. Deception and fraud reigned supreme these days.
“I have to tell you something,” she said. “It’s strange, and don’t be afraid, okay? But I have to tell you before he disappears.”
The hair on the back of my neck rose. How could I not be scared after hearing something like that?
Mona held my hand. “I see Pablo’s spirit. He appeared when you were at the counter. Then he disappeared when Pedro emerged. But he’s here again.”
My heart raced. “What?” My eyes widened, gazing around and not seeing anything.
I’d heard about mediums connecting to people who have passed, even pets. But I’d never experienced it. It spooked me.
“I have the sixth sense, a gift passed down by Mother,” Mona said. “I’d never seen Pablo around until now. He knows you’re investigating his case.”
“What’s he saying? You can hear him?”
“Not really. It’s an innate knowing. I know him, so I sensed his familiar energy. He’s showing me flashes of images.” She reached for my hand and closed her eyes. A second later, she opened them. “I see a box. It’s like a treasure box. There are a lot of papers in it.”
Then customers entered the shop, disrupting the quiet.
She sighed, releasing my hand. “I lost the connection.”
“If he contacts you again, please let me know. If you remember anything, call me.”
Mona nodded and went to assist her customers.
I didn’t know what to think about the experience, but I noted what she said in my notebook.