The Tambinder Engine (part thirteen)

The Tambinder Engine 

A McAlley Story

(part thirteen)

She drove Mick to the airport.

In a flood of nervous words. “I have a horse. I have my babies, Jyff and Bobbo. I can’t leave the country, they don’t let you nab a quick passport at the desk, while you’re paying for your ticket. Idiot thing to ask!”

And when she stopped, far back for the taxis, he blocked her door so she couldn’t pull away. “What if you go to your house and find Lynn there?”

“Or Matthew?”

“Jaunty, love. Took you a moment. But if you see Matthew, run. Run, scream for the neighbor. I think bullets will stop Lynn. Relax, I’m joking… I’m not joking. I write articles you know, I interview people. Certain types go frenzied once they’ve burned that bridge, crossed that uncrossable line. Good thought to see your neighbor first, and come up your hill the way of Ondine’s stable.”

Oh, Mick knew so much. She had stalked him, feebly. She was far out-practiced.

She found her neighbor at his farmstand, selling melon, from an awninged rocker. Mr. Karl was wizened and solitary. He could see her stables from his hill, the start of her woods trail, not her drive or housefront.

“Won’t trouble me if you don’t want any. If you like to buy, I’ll let you pay for one, take another. Is it Mrs…what am I wanting?”

“Carmadge. Just Deenie.” She drew two dollars and placed two melons, like riders, in the back of her car.

“I’ve got a cooler. Let me get you a cola.” He wiped melted ice on his shirt. “Trouble?”

“I’m afraid of someone. I want to go to my house from yours.”

“Right, I’ll walk you.”

Some manner, of almost-too-readiness, made her ask: “A reporter named Mark Michaels, has he ever…”

“No.”

“A detective? Jared Railsback?”

Solemn face.

“A detective, McAlley?”

“That I’ve never heard of.”

“It’s Lynn Gilgan.”

“The horse doctor’s girl.”

“Who I’m afraid will kill me.”

“Well, she’s been by. Come along.” He tapped her elbow, got her frozen knees moving, back to the car. “Bring it up and park out of sight. When I say by I mean I noticed her walking round your barn. She had some papers in her hands…in her arms…” He demonstrated, the cradling to chest of a bundle. “And I saw her put them at your kitchen steps.”

“And go?”

“I knew no cause she shouldn’t be there, so I didn’t watch on.”

20

The Tambinder Engine

The Tambinder Engine (part one)

(2024, Stephanie Foster)