| |
| Author |
Message |
|
| marantzo |
 Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:58 pm |
 |
|
|
Guest
|
| Just to give you an example of what I am talking about, if you care. When I brought Melody onto the scene I had no idea what she looked like or what she was like. I winged it and her character formed. I'm just as happy with her as Max is. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:06 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
| I apologise to all my loyal fans. I fully intended to add to my story today and was looking forward to it, but I got caught up in house work (my stove was bespoiled by me last night when I had a mishap with oil I was heating up for french fries, what a mess), and I lost the drive to write. Grungy housework wreaks havoc on the imagination. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| globear |
| Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:36 pm |
|
|
Joined: 04 Oct 2005
Posts: 22
Location: Hartney Manitoba
|
| please...don't cook, just write |
|
|
| Back to top |
 
|
| jeremy |
| Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 3:46 am |
|
|
Joined: 21 May 2004
Posts: 6794
Location: Derby, England and Hamilton, New Zealand (yes they are about 12,000 miles apart)
|
| Bloody hell, a fan. |
_________________
I am angry, I am ill, and I'm as ugly as sin.
My irritability keeps me alive and kicking.
I know the meaning of life, it doesn't help me a bit.
I know beauty and I know a good thing when I see it. |
|
| Back to top |
 
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 11:39 am |
|
|
|
Guest
|
Melody went down before I left the office. She was illegally parked, as seemed to be her habit. I hit the street and there she was in the No Stopping zone right in front of the building. Sitting like a little Hollywood starlet behind the wheel of a silver Mercedes CLK55 AMG Cabriolet 2 door convertible. I slid into my seat and she put the top up.
-It's safer for you with the top up.
And she squealed off down Broadway.
-Hell of a car, Melody. How much are we paying you?
-Not enough, but I'm rich.
-What kind of accent is that?
-Texas. My grandfather was one of the first oil barons. He struck oil when he was just 20 and that ended the family tradition of scraping along with their tiny cattle ranch. I was his favourite. He left me millions.
-What about your father?
-He's a prick. A real right wing, bigoted, loud mouthed jackass. He even ran for the Senate once, but he was even too extreme for Texas.
We were speeding down the West Side Highway.
-How did you end up at Columbia?
-I've always loved New York, so it was an easy decision. And it's about as different than Texas as you can find in the U.S. so that was a big attraction for me.
I was a little frightened by the speed she was travelling, so I decided to take my eyes off the road. She did handle this fabulous car very well.
She pulled into a parking lot adjacent to 100 Centre St. She knew the attendant and slipped him a twenty. They exchanged pleasantries and then we hurried off to the court. She walked very fast. She did everything very fast.
-It looks like there wasn't any leak about your appearance here this morning, she said as we ran up the steps.
We didn't have to wait long for our turn in front of the judge. And it was an old grey judge. A woman. Pleasant looking and with a heavy Long Island accent.
I was arraigned speedily. The DA asked for remand. Melody argued for bail as I had come back voluntarily and blah blah blah. Asked for $50,000 dollars bail. The judge multiplied that by ten and Melody wrote a check.
As we walked down the hall of the courthouse we passed a number of cops. Almost without exception they would smile and nod to me with a 'Hi Max.'
We approached the door.
-The cops love you Max. You killed a real bad man. And they had no sympathy for the slut that was fucking him. They are a little pissed that you caused them some grief by bolting, but if it were up to them you'd be a free man.
We hit the stairs. We had been discovered. There was maybe 500 people waiting for us. Cries of 'Max, Max' came from all directions. We were engulfed. People were patting me on the back and yelling encouragement. Some pushed through and held out scraps of paper for autographs. A few cops who saw what was happening came to our aid and led us through the sea of fans, all the way to the parking lot.
-Manuel, did you rat us out?
The attendant apologised and said he just told one person.
-Give me back the twenty, you squealer.
He looked devastated and reached into his pocket.
-I'm just fucking with you, Manuel. Now get our car.
We were speeding back uptown, taking the streets this time. Melody would have been an ace hack. Finding all the openings, zipping ahead when it was possible and always watching for another opportunity. She timed the traffic lights flawlessly. And when there was no way to make time, she took it in stride and never forced the issue. I was impressed with her driving as much as I was impressed with her ability to get things done. Fast.
We pulled into the buildings underground parking. Parked in our firms space and walked to the elevator.
-Max we are going to start working on your case as soon as we get to the office. I'm anxious to get started. This case has charged me up. I feel like I can't get things done fast enough. I think I'll even have a shot of Jack Daniels when we get up there. I'm all speeded up!
-Really?
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:41 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 3:30 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
When we made it to the office, Larry was there. He had a Marc Campbell in his office. The door was ajar so we went in and said our hellos. The Giant's QB was his usual cheerful self. Training camp had started and after the disastrous 2 and 14 record of last year's team, he was desperate to get a trade.
-Was just telling Larry that if I didn't get traded, I'd get killed back there. Our offensive line is dreadful and they haven't made any upgrades in the off season. I was sacked 80 times last year. I'm a pocket passer and there was never any pocket. I was so full of pain killers last season that I could have made more money peddling them than I made as a Quarterback.
This story was true as I'd later learn from Larry. He said that watching the defensive line and secondary have one free shot after another at Marc was almost impossible to watch. It belonged in the Roman Coliseum. And to top it off, the gracious Giant's fans booed him mercilessly.
-Jeez, I'm sorry Marc. I'm sure Larry can work something out for you.
-Thanks Max, I hope you are right. And it's great to see you again. I guess complaining to you about my problems is a little stupid. I'm sorry. Best of luck to you. Mel, will take care of it I'm sure.
-Enough of this bullshit jock talk. Come on Max, we've got some murders to talk about.
We went into Melody's office and she made good on her Jack Daniels threat. Then she pulled out some paper and with pen in hand told me to tell her exactly what happened that afternoon.
-I got home early. I wasn't expecting Marjorie to be home. She was supposed to be going to movies with Danielle or something. I can remember, but she was supposed to be out. The door to the bedroom was closed, which was unusual, and I thought I heard some noise coming from there. I opened the door and saw that scumbag fucking her brains out. They never even heard me. I knew it was him immediately, his picture had been plastered all over since he escaped. I saw the gun on the dresser. I got it and they heard me. My brain was reeling and my head was on fire. That Cooper character turned towards me and as Marj looked up and started to exclaim some nonsense, I shot him and...I...I...I'm not sure about what happened next. I just remember seeing her face splatter and her body fall back.
-Listen, Max. Don't shit me. Tell me what happened then. I have to know.
-I swear Melody, it's all mixed up. I know I shot her and I was glad I did, but I can't remember exactly how it happened. I just knew that I had to get out of there and as far away as possible.
-Please Max. Try to remember. It's very important as I'm sure you know.
I did try, but it was no use. The more I tried I even became unsure of the story I had just related. The whole thing was getting muddied up in my mind.
-Melody, it's no use. I'm starting to doubt what I've already told you. I'm going backwards.
Melody sat back in her chair and just quietly stared at me. This seemed to go on forever and I was feeling very sheepish. I felt like I was in the Principal's office.
-Max. Tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to use one of my many unusual skills to try to solve this problem.
For some reason this triggered thoughts of an acrobatic sex act
-I'm going to hypnotize you. I was a pretty fair parlor hypnotist in my youth. Have you ever been hypnotized?
-No.
-Well you won't be able to give that same answer after I get through with you. Now just sit back, relax and keep you eyes on my finger.
I did. She started to slowly talk me into it. I knew enough to block everything else out of my mind. At the point where I became sure it wasn't going to work, it did. I was back in the apartment. It was clear as day. I felt exactly as I felt then. I was telling her what was happening. The part leading up to my shooting Curt Cooper was just as I'd told her before....then the rest clicked in. I was enraged and was not satisfied with shooting the bastard once. After the first shot there was a slight recoil from the gun and it caused my body back a bit and the throw rug slipped from under my feet, shooting the second shot as I fell back into the dresser and stared at Marj's bloody face. I shot my right leg back and steadied myself before I fell on my ass. I was glad I had shot Marj, but now I knew that I hadn't meant to. My satisfaction at her paying this ultimate price for what she'd done had made me think that I'd killed her on purpose. I'd forgotten all about slipping on the rug which was on the polished hard wood floor. The rug was now under the bed. I wiped off the gun instinctively and started my flight.
-Max, you are going to come back when I clap my hands and you will remember everything you've just told me. Whap!
I was back and I felt great. I remembered everything.
-Melody, I really didn't mean to kill her. I used to try to convince myself of that sometimes, but it always just seemed to be what I wished were true not what was really true. But it was, it was! You can't imagine how happy I am.
-Oh yes I can.
She smiled for the first time since I'd met her. A great big pearly white smile.
-Max, if I lose this case, I'll blow you on the corner of Broadway and 42nd at noon on a sunny summer Sunday. After you get out of prison, of course.
-Something to look forward to while I'm being raped by my cellmate Big Willy.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:42 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2005 12:00 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
-I like you Max. You have no self confidence. I've been around cocky self-assured people for so long that I find your personality refreshing.
-Hell of a compliment. I like you too. You are the most confident, self-assured person I've ever met. Just who I want defending me.
I never thought of myself as lacking self confidence. I guess when you just drift along you don't think about things like that. I do think that any self confidence I might have had, left when the realisation of what I'd done hit me. And that was just a day or two ago.
-Let me ask you something Max. Something I didn't ask you under hypnosis because I didn't want it to come back and bite us in the ass. Did you think the Curt fellow was raping your girlfriend?
-No. Not at all. If she were being raped, she sure seemed to enjoy it. Oh, and another thing I should tell you...Curt was the son of one of Marj's best friends. I figured this out when I was a fugitive. I'm sure she was banging him since he was a boy. She used to babysit him for her friend, Betsy.
-Holy shit. How could you forget to tell me that?
-I don't know I just forgot.
-You just forgot!? My God. This can be a real problem. If they can convince the jury that you knew this, our defence is in the crapper.
-But I didn't know it.
-Great. Go prove a negative.
-I think she helped him escape too. She went to visit her friend in Buffalo just before he escaped. Attica is near Buffalo.
-Yes, I know where Attica is. How do you know that she really didn't go just to visit this Betsy broad?
-When I was on the lam and puzzling how Marj could have ended up in the sack with the serial killer, I connected the name of her friend to the killer and realised that Curt was her son's name and Cooper was her first husband's last name. Then I remembered Marj once mentioning that Betsy had moved to Arizona. She obviously forgot that she had mentioned it and I forgot too. She couldn't have been visiting her in Buffalo. That's when all the pieces fell into place.
-We are going to have to get in touch with this Betsy before they do. We can't bank on them not finding out the connection. Do you know where in Arizona or her last name?
-I don't know where, but it's probably some arty type colony like Sedona. She was that kind. She might have gone back to her maiden name? I did know it but I can't remember it. It was an unusual name, I remember that.
-This is going to be a difficult search. The only upside to this is that it makes the DA's department more unlikely to make a connection. How could they discover this relationship? Let's think.
I tried to think of how. I'm sure that they know who Curt's mother was. How could they not? Then again, if they had been estranged and had different names, maybe not.
-Tiger, I think we should study the trial that sent Curt up the river.
-Tiger? I like that and I like your suggestion. It's about time you contributed, Rabbit.
-I don't like that!
-OK I'll think of another name, how about Schlemiel?
-Do me a favor, Mel, go fuck yourself.
-That's better. He's alive, he's alive.
-Listen Cupcake, let's get back on track here. How are we going to go about searching for the elusive Betsy?
-Cupcake? From Tiger to Cupcake?
It's late and we haven't eaten. I'm starved. Let's go down Sullivan's and get something to eat and drink. We'll give this a rest for a bit, as you can see I'm getting punchy already.
-Good idea.
-You're not getting a thing for me, are you, Max?
-No, Melody, I'm not. You have no worries in that department. As a person I think you are terrific, but as a love interest, no. And I have a girlfriend.
-Damn, I was hoping to be flattered by your desire for me and then have the satisfaction of turning you down flat. I guess those who've called me a bitch had some justification.
-We're going to win this thing, Max. And you did think that he was raping her. Got it.
-Yeah, I got it.
-By the way, since the new bit of information about Curt's mother came up, that blowjob guarantee is off.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:42 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2005 3:15 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
When we hit the street there was a group of about a dozen butch women in front of our building carrying signs that said things like 'Kill Max, the Chauvinist Murderer' and 'An Eye for an Eye, A Man for A Woman'.
-Oh shit, Max. The WAMKOS.
-They are wacko alright.
-No, Max, WAMKOS, Women Against Men Killing Our Sisters.
They kept sticking their signs in our faces and screaming obscenities. One sign grazed Melody. She hooked her leg around the back of the offender's knees and sent her sprawling onto the sidewalk. Then one of the protesters lunged at her and Melody grabbed her arm and gave her a Judo flip right onto her back. The rest of the motley crew was stopped for a second and then resumed yelling and waving their signs around. A cop rushed up with his billy in hand and told them to disperse or he'd run them in. A little crowd had gathered around us. The demonstrators started to leave with the two downed women screaming that they were going to sue for assault. The cop grabbed them both by the shoulder and said that they should go right ahead because he had seen the whole thing and it was self defence. It would be them who ended up in the can. The women shook him off angrily and walked away.
-I'm sorry Miss Armstrong, I should have intervened sooner.
-Don't mention it Riley, I needed the practice.
-Welcome back to New York, Max. I hope everything goes OK.
-Well thank you. I hope so too.
We walked down Broadway.
-Armstrong? I didn't know your last name. Strongarm might be more fitting.
-Well your fighting skills weren't exactly golden, Golden.
-They were women, what did you expect me to do?
-They were bulldykes, not women. What's the matter? Can you only face a woman with a gun in your hand.
-Melody. That's over the line. And it's not funny.
-You're right Max, I'm sorry. Sometimes I do go over the line. I really am sorry for saying that.
Melody actually did have a sweet side. I assured her that I understood and everyone makes an ill advised joke now and then.
She took my arm as we continued on to Sullivan's. she seemed to morph from a hard-as-nails lawyer/Judo expert into a soft and sweet young woman. This was a woman who would surely drive any sane man crazy.
*************************************************************
We were sitting at Sullivan's bar having a couple of Heinekens and talking about our histories. She thought my story was very interesting pre-murder. I never got around to the post-murder. This surprised me because her story was spectacular compared to mine. She'd grown up in fabulously wealthy surroundings. She'd been everywhere and done just about everything. She was a ballet dancer, a Judo expert, a homecoming queen at Texas U., gold medal winner at Columbia Law School, and lost her virginity when she was 14. She'd never had a lasting relationship. She was always the one who broke it off.
-You know, I don't know if it's me or not, but I never seem to end up with guys that I find interesting. I've gone out with scholars and athletes and celebrities of a sort, but there never seemed to be enough to them. They were all good people, but I eventually got bored by every one of them. It's got to be me. I either gravitate to the wrong ones or I make them boring. I'm a happy person though. Just the same I wonder what it would be like to fall in love. I was in love at 14 I guess, but that was an awful long time ago.
-Melody if I weren't already in love with someone, I could fall in love with you. And then I'd bore you and I'd be miserable. Thank God I'm already in love. You and Larry and I are partners and I think that's the perfect relationship.
[i]-I'm not a partner, Max. I just work there.
[i]-If you ever want to be a partner, you will be.
[/i]-Let's get through your trial first, then we'll see about the partnership. I do love working there. It's small, focused and completely unstuffy. Larry's a pleasure to work with and you seem OK to me[/i].
We each had a Salade Nicoise and as we were finishing, who walks in but Bev, Dawn, Ran and Lorne.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:43 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| Befade |
| Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:52 am |
|
|
|
Joined: 20 May 2004
Posts: 3784
Location: AZ
|
Gary wrote, "mishap with oil I was heating up for french fries"
I haven't heard of anyone making their own french fries for 50 years.........when my mom did it. Must be a retro Canadian thing. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:16 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
Yes Betsy, we have a lot of quaint old fashioned ways up here. Some people even use land line phones.
I'm going to dive in to the storyline with your namesake pretty soon. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:33 am |
|
|
|
Guest
|
I introduced the quartet to Melody. They thought she was a new girl of mine. But Mel was quick to set them straight in her own gentle manner by asking,
-Are you out of your fucking mind.
We sat at the bar while the four of them formed a semi-circle around us and we caught each other up on the last few days. Seems that the single guys had got in touch with our Rio friends and had been having a wonderful time. They were under the mistaken belief that they were college boys out on the town and were acting like it. Except for Sonny who had spent most of the time alone with pretty little Carmen. Walking in the park, spending time on the boat and going to the movies.
I figured that I had to phone Marj II before she slipped from my life. I started to get paranoid about her finding someone else.
-Was Marj mentioned at all?
-Yeah the girls said that she was waiting for you to call. We told them that you had to start preparing for your trial and were sure you would phone when things settled a bit.
-Thanks guys. I'll have to phone her today.
We decided to get in touch later and do something that night, if I could get Marjorie to join us. The four of them went to a table to order something to eat.
Mel turned to me with a puzzled look.
-Your new girlfriend is named Marjorie?
-It was just a fluke. I met her in Rio, or did you hear that already? When she told me her name I almost fell over. We were dancing.
-Well I think we should get back to the office, Max. I mean our office of course, not the store. Larry's been alone there long enough. Mildred might have some questions too.
-You're right. Let's go I'll get the check?
-Damn right.
As we crossed Broadway and walked up the street, there were a few 'Hi Max' and "Good luck Max' from some passers by.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:43 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:07 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
*************************************************************
I forgot to mention our secretary, Mildred Pierce. Turns out Pierce was her late husband's name. She was like an older Della Street, completely devoted to the firm. She was in her late 50's and pleasant looking. She had worked at her husband's trucking company for the first two years of their marriage, but became a full time housewife when their first child was born. When she was widowed she ended up at Golden and Stein. Her husband left her in OK shape but the extra money meant even more security. She relished being back in the wage-earning work world. She was very organized which was a great asset because Larry was completely disorganized. I was fairly well organized.
When we first opened the firm we had a steady parade of secretaries. We kept replacing the incompetents only to say every time, that we should have kept the last one. Finally after five years we got lucky. Mildred's husband died.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved.
************************************************************ |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:44 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 12:54 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
RECONNECTING
-Hello.
-Hello, Marj?
-Max. Good to hear from you. How are things going?
-Not too bad. I'm a little overwhelmed though. How have you been?
-I've been OK. You've been in my mind a lot. I can't help wondering about all the roadblocks we are facing. Have your feelings about us changed since we were together?
-No, lover, they certainly haven't changed. Have yours?
-No, Fred Astaire, they haven't.
-That's why I love you, you appreciate my talents.
The gang is getting together at Cielo tonight. Are you up for it?
-Sure am. The girls told me about it. I was waiting for you to call. We're too far along in life to play any games, Max. I was going to call you if you didn't call me.
-Sweetheart, I want to see you right away. Are you going to be home?
-Yes I am. And I'm still at 49 Grove St. right off Bleeker.
-I'll be there soon.
I told Larry and Melody that I was taking off and would see them at Cielo. Larry said that after the trial, if I wasn't in jail I'd have to start working again. Like a real person. I told him I couldn't wait and I meant it. Melody was going over crime photos and the initial police report of the killings.
-I think we've got a chance here, Max.
-You mean it's gone from a slam dunk to 'a chance'?
-I'm trying to be realistic here. There are many ways that this can get fucked up. That Betsy broad is one way. We have to find her.
-Yeah, I know. I wasn't being serious.
-Listen, Max, take my car. If I decide to join you guys I'll get a ride with Danielle and Larry.
-I'm a little frightened of your car, Mel.
-Don't be a such a pussy. And you killed two people?
-I'll take it. And I've killed more than two.
On the way to her car I felt pretty good giving Melody something to think about. It was nice how I'd stopped her short with that statement. I'd got in the last word with her. I don't think many people did.
*************************************************************
Marjorie answered the door wearing a t-shirt and short skirt. We kissed and hugged. Her apartment was the whole first floor of this turn of the century structure. It was a very handsome and comfortable space. With some impressive works of art on the walls. Kline, Miro, Arp, Hofmann, De Stael, Guston, Botero and others of similar stature. Sculptures by Moore, Lipchitz, Giacometti....I was in awe.
After my little tour she sat me down and brought us both gin and tonics. It was a hot day in New York.
-Marj, I'm stunned by your collection. You could charge admission.
-Thanks Max. We would pick up pieces whenever we could. That was about the only thing that Tim and I were alike in. Our taste in art. Do you like them?
-Like them? Are you kidding?
-Well, you never know.
We talked. We held hands. We reminisced about our first meeting. We were like old lovers. I brought her up to date on my upcoming trial. I told her about Melody and she was anxious to meet her. She told me that she was going to try to keep our relationship loving but not intense until the trial was decided. She didn't know if she could do it. I was hoping against hope that she couldn't. And coming back here after the club that night my hope was realised. She couldn't.
The time past swiftly.
-I have to get dressed now. It's getting late.
-OK, I'll go to one of the local joints. When should I get you.
-8:30 or so.
I took a chance at losing my parking spot by hopping in the car and taking a short drive to the Broome Street Bar in Soho. It used to be a favorite of mine. It was early evening mid-week and I found a spot at the bar. It felt good. I was out by myself for the first time in an age. I missed it. I would have liked to have had Izzy with me. Nick was tending bar.
-Max. Wow. This is a surprise. How is it going?
-Not bad, Nick. How about you?
-Forget about me. You're the celebrity. Are you going to beat this thing?
-I hope so. I did kill that bastard, but the other was an accident. It really was.
I felt weird saying that.
-Max. I believe you. I never thought that you could have done something like that. You are one of the nicest guys I've ever served and I've served many.
-Don't go overboard Nick.
-I'm not, I mean it. I read that you actually did go overboard in quite a spectacular fashion though. I'm sure you've read the papers.
-No I haven't. I just can't.
-Well you aren't going to pay for any drinks tonight and don't object.
-Thank buddy. I might even tip you this time.
I ordered a Bloody Mary. My friends were always impressed (or revolted) by the way that I could mix my drinks. The others at the bar started to give me good wishes and ask me a bunch of questions. I begged off and bribed them with drinks if they would just talk about the weather and stuff like that. It worked.
I left Nick 20 bucks and headed back to Marjorie's. After The Broome Street I almost felt normal again.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:45 pm; edited 3 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:18 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
Marj looked great. black sheath with one shoulder strap. I felt a little under-dressed in my silk pants and summer sports jacket.
-Great car, Max. When did you get it.
-It's Melody's. She's rich.
We sped of to the meat market district where the club was. The rest of the gang was already there. We had a long table on the patio. Melody had hooked up with Marc Campbell for the festivities. I called across the table.
-Marc, keep a low profile, we don't want you causing another rumble.
-I hear that you had a little bust up this afternoon, Max. Good thing you had Melody to do the fighting.
-Is that why you're here with her. You couldn't get a hold of Nicholson?
Later that evening a bunch of us took to the dance floor. In between numbers, the DJ said he had an announcement to make.
-We have someone I'd like you all to welcome back to New York.....
Oh my God, noooo.....but God didn't listen.
-The notorious, back-from-the dead and the deep....Max Golden. Let's here it for this modern day Ulysses.
There was a little more than a smattering of applause and some whistles. The odd boo. I felt like crawling under a rock.
-Come on Max, give a wave, Marj whispered in my ear.
I gave a little wave and said thanks. What I was really thankful for was that the DJ put on some music...finally.
We got back to Marjorie's around 2 AM. We had had a Great time. She invited me in. We hugged and kissed and moaned and panted and danced into the bedroom and fell on the bed and wrestled and mauled and stripped and screwed like all good lovers do when they are far away at sea.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:45 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
| marantzo |
| Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:40 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
AS MY WORLD TURNS
When I woke on July 17th I was in the apartment I'd been in for a couple of months. An apartment owned by the firm that we used sometimes to entertain clients. The cleaning lady wasn't scheduled for another two days and things were in a mess. I'd lost my need for neatness. I'd also lost a lot of the my enjoyment of the bizarre nature of life itself. Everything had become rather grey for me. The apartment was on 5th and 84th. I could look out the window and see a wonderful view of Central Park 16 floors below. I looked out the window often. It had a soothing effect on me. I was always a visual person.
My relationship with Marj II had just coasted for the last month or so. My fault. I wasn't much of a pleasure to be around. I rarely joked anymore and when we were together I had a hard time getting off the floor. I told her that things would change after the trial was finished, if I got a favorable verdict.
I was constantly apologizing and asking her not to abandon me, that I still loved her as much as I'd always loved her, that it wasn't her, it was something I was going through that I didn't quite understand, but I knew it would pass. I felt very bad that she couldn't seem to get me out of this shallow funk. I felt as if it were an insult to her. While unable to rise to the occasion, at the same time I was desperately worried that I'd lose her.
As for my case, I got the idea that Hart Baxter might know Betsy's full name. Not being sure if it were wise to ask him about it, Melody phoned him to feel him out. We didn't want to create a potential prosecution witness. The phone call went something like this.
-My name is Melody Armstrong, I'm Max Golden's associate and Defense Lawyer.
-Yes I know I've been following the case.
-What are your feelings about the incident.
-You mean the killings?
-Yes.
-Why would you want to know?
-Well I'd like some information that you might have, but to be honest I won't ask you if you are of a mind that Max is some sort of murderer who deserve severe punishment. We don't want to give any unnecessary ammunition to the prosecution.
-I'll tell you this, I wasn't sorry that Marj was killed. I'd had a lot of heartache from her reckless and selfish acts. I was incapable of having any sympathy for her. I liked Max. He was fair and resolved our divorce without any mess. And saved me a lot of money that would have been spent on litigation. When I heard that he'd hooked up with Marj, I thought, 'Poor sap.' I wasn't going to stick my nose in though. He was smitten and wouldn't have believed me anyway. It would have been tacky on my part. So, no I don't think that Max should suffer from what he did. Why he shot her I don't know and frankly I don't care.
-Mr. Baxter it's easy to be honest with you here; It was accidental.
-I am glad if that's what it was. It's better than thinking that that slut drove someone to murder.
-Just a minute Mr. Baxter.
-I'd rather you called me Hart.
-OK.
Melody put him on hold and asked me if she could trust him. I told her that he was very trustworthy. He considered himself a righteous man.
-Mr. uh Hart. Did you know Marj's friend Betsy?
-Yes, I met her once. An artist of some sort. Marj would visit her in the Catskills. Seemed like a nice woman. No airs. Very straightforward if I'm remembering right.
-Do you happen to remember her last name?
-Yes. Gooch. I'm curious, why would you want to know that?
-I'm sorry Hart, I'm not at liberty to tell you. Client confidentiality, you know. But if you don't find out during the trial, and I hope that won't be the case, then I promise to tell you after it is resolved. It's very strange but I think you deserve to know.
-God I wish you hadn't told me that. This is going to drive me nuts.
-I'm sorry but like I said, I'll be sure to tell you. And thank you so much for your cooperation. Max said that you were a gentleman.
-Tell Max, thank you. I appreciate that.
-Thanks again Hart and we will be in touch. And if the prosecution happens to get in touch with you I'd appreciate it if you'd call us. And you aren't obligated to tell them anything about our conversation.
-I know that and I won't. I'll call you if they call me.
-You've been a great help, Your information may be very important.
-No problem. Goodbye.
-Goodbye.
We phoned Arizona information and sure enough her phone was listed. We also gathered from the conversation with Baxter that her relationship to the serial killer might not be known. When we called her she was the one who answered.
No, she hadn't been contacted by the DA's office. No, she wasn't upset by the killing of her son. She had disowned him before she even found out about his extra-curricular activities, screwing her best friend and murdering innocent women. At around the age of 17 he was completely out of control. Heavily into drugs and alcohol. Running with very bad people and committing robberies and assaults. Being a minor he only got a slap on the wrist, but for Betsy it was a nightmare. She couldn't control him and one night when she complained about his despicable behaviour, he slugged her. That was it. She packed up and moved to Arizona and told him that if he ever got in touch with her she'd call the cops. He was happy with that arrangement. He was 18 at the time and she had no legal responsibility as far as he was concerned.
No, no one seemed to know that she was his mother.
Yes, she would remain anonymous and not tell the prosecution anything if they happened to discover the link and find her.
Yes she was happy that the world was rid of Kurt and no, she wasn't sorry that Marjorie was dead.
Melody looked at me after the call as if she were looking for something in my eyes.
-What is it , Mel?
-Who is your guardian angel? Everything is breaking our way. We haven't had one setback. I'm getting worried.
-Gee, Melody, I just feel sort of blah.
-You're depressed Max. Don't worry about it, just ride it out.
Mel had gone over all the crime reports and pictures and forensics and statements of the police. She covered it from top to bottom and told Max that she would renew the blow-job guarantee.
I had to get washed up and dressed. My trial started at 10 AM and it was already 8.
Copyright 2005 by Gary Marantz. All rights reserved. |
Last edited by marantzo on Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:46 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
All times are GMT - 5 Hours
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
