Part 3 – Helena Hendricks

  Chapter Nineteen - Little Old Lady.

  It was a hidden corner of a large market. Once, long ago, it may have been in the open air. Kenny had a vague memory that it might have even been in another location. Neither of these thoughts lingered. It was warmer than the last time Kenny and Frank met. This time, Kenny was sure to have his jacket unbuttoned. He felt that Frank would be disappointed if he came unprepared. This included leaving his jacket buttoned. He had his new guys watching the doors. Jerome volunteered to stay out of sight. He believed the big man would come. If he did, Jerome would be there. The big guy might need some help.

  Mr. Sullivan spoke, “Interesting meeting place. We're all alone in the middle of a crowd. It makes me think you might be a little paranoid. Maybe you might have made a few enemies? I'd even bet your big friend’s out there looking at us – from somewhere. Maybe even somebody else?” Kenny used every opportunity to gather information. Even this meeting wasn't exempt.

  Frank greeted Kenny. “Good morning, Mr. Sullivan. Sometimes. It's good to be careful, and it's not paranoia when the enemies are real. Lately, I've been cultivating a few. Besides, I believe some of your people are looking at us too.”

  Kenny nodded. “I thought you might have noticed. Can't let your friends have all the fun.”

  “I hope the contract worked out for you.” Frank stated more than he inquired.

  Kenny nodded. “It's a very good retainer. I like surveillance. Especially, when it's not divorce cases. I've been told not to take any money from you. Don't worry, your expenses have been covered.”

  “That’s surprising. I didn’t expect that. I guess, I should have.” The topic made Frank uncomfortable. He didn't want to talk about himself. “Did you finish your work with the old man and the painting to your satisfaction?”

  “No, not to my satisfaction, but that's just me. The thieves went to jail. The old man got his painting back. He smiled a little when I told him about some of the injuries. And the State Boys are looking at the Prosecutor. Plus, I didn't die in the alley. So, I guess it worked out well enough in the end. Besides, I'm used to not getting everything I want exactly the way I want.”

  “Aren't we all?” Frank returned. “So, you've met your benefactor.”

  Kenny blinked and briefly looked down. “I don't know what you did for him. I'm pretty sure that I don't want to. And from what he didn't say. I'm very happy that I'm not the white-haired man.”

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “Mr. Sullivan?” Frank pointed at the envelope. A corner peeked out of Kenny’s jacket.

  Kenny pulled a large brown envelope out of his coat. He held it up in the air. “I have what you asked for, and a little more. This guy's tied in with my Prosecutor. I don't know how deep yet.” Kenny’s face grew stern. “But I'll find out.”

  Frank interrupted Kenny. “He's not connected with many powerful people. I think he's been recruiting. He's not very powerful, but he’s very dangerous. It may be better if you don't. Nothing's off limits with him.”

  Kenny started to speak. “Sometimes you just got to...”

  Frank spoke up. Experience wouldn’t let him do anything else. “Protect your people and your family. Mr. Sullivan, the work you do out here won't matter without them. He's not worth losing anyone over. It's best just to leave him to me.”

  “You're really going after him? I mean scorched earth? Fire and brimstone? The whole nine yards?” Kenny paused and drew in a deep breath. The man currently paying his salary had told him a few things. The first was never to mention his name. The second was not to ask too many questions of Frank. He shifted subjects. “That's what he meant. He said you were a friend for life and an enemy for a very short time. And Murphy's not your friend.”

  Kenny straightened his body. He had instinctively felt the weight that Frank was carrying. “It takes a while to be sure of a negative. You were right about the bi-monthly trips out of Boston. He never leaves during the first or last week of the month. I followed him up there. I know where he goes. It's in there too.” He nodded at the envelope.

  Frank grasped the envelope in his left hand. He asked. “So, you've seen her?”

  Kenny replied. “Yeah, and she's not alone.”

  Frank stated more than he asked. “Big guy? Straight, dark hair? Baby face? Clothes don't seem to fit right?”

  He nodded at the description. “Frank, she doesn't seem like much of a threat.” Kenny said, hoping Frank would understand. Kenny didn't know what he had in mind, but that little old woman didn't seem like she was a danger to anyone.

  “The little red-haired woman from the farmhouse?” He said, even though he already knew who Kenny was talking about. “No, she's not. Neither is the big man. But they were once. The damage has already been done. Nearly all of us deserve a chance at redemption. Maybe it's time for them to have theirs.”

  Kenny mumbled to himself. “I know. You aren't going to hurt her, much.”

  “What happens to her is going to be her decision. Maybe she can regain something that she's lost.” Frank wondered out loud.

  Kenny commented. “Yeah. You can be extremely cryptic at times.”

  “It's a gift.” Frank shoved the envelope into his coat pocket. He reached out his right hand. “Thank you, Mr. Sullivan.”

  Kenny grasped Frank's hand. He pulled Frank towards him as he spoke. “If he’s as dangerous as you say, you'll need me. You can't go after him in this town without me.”

  “Mr. Sullivan, I'm not going after him. At least, not right now. I'm just removing his players from the board. I've taken out a couple of rooks. With your help, we took down some pawns and a Bishop. Now I'm going after a knight and the Queen. The more pieces I remove the angrier he gets. Then he sends more pawns after me, and I get to remove them from the board. Meanwhile, I'm going after more powerful pieces. When he has no more pieces left, then we’ll meet. That’s when his game will end.”

  Kenny thought. This guy is either a genius or a nut? But even a nut can get it right, sometimes.