Goodbye Natalie

Chapter Twentysix: The Final Goodbye

     Getting away from the smog and congested streets and freeways of L.A. to the clean Missouri hills had been a nice respite for Burl Barnes. Visiting family had rejuvenated his spirit and helped him put his office partner’s recent death in perspective. Alan was gone and there was nothing he could do about it except carry on. Without Alan Rassmussen’s share of the rent, and assistance in covering expenses, Burl had reasoned he’d have to start bringing in more business to his modest, one-man law office. Maybe he’d have to even take some workman’s comp. and personal injury cases, or perhaps the more sinister – divorce and criminal law clients. Well, if he did have to lower his standards, it was all in the line of duty – he was determined to do whatever was necessary in order to keep the business going. The short visit home reminded him of why he’d left the poverty of the Midwest; he wasn’t prepared to go limping back with his tail between his legs, not just yet.

     He’d called the office a couple of times while on vacation, but the answering service had picked up. He deduced the young Fallon Hunter had come to her senses and moved on. Just as well, L.A. had a lot more interesting opportunities for a bright, pretty girl. He dreaded the loneliness of the stuffy office, but he’d have to do without a receptionist or secretary for the time being – he would miss her fresh face and sunny demeanor though.

     As he trudged up the steps of the Hollywood office building and made his way down the empty hall, Barnes was startled to notice that the door to his office was standing open. He was caught between suspicion and curiosity, he hesitated at the entrance, taking a second look at the name on the door to make sure he was on the right floor. The scene before him was completely unexpected. The window blinds were drawn wide open and a light breeze flowed through the open windows. The scent of lilacs and lavender filled the air from fresh flowers on the reception desk. A beautiful Asian girl was seated at the desk, talking on the phone in a sweet, pleasant voice. Soft, melodic music played quietly from an unfamiliar clock radio. The whole place had been dusted, cleaned and shined like new pennies. The inner door was open and he saw that it had also been cleaned and the floor polished.

     The girl gave him a warm smile and held up an index finger as she continued her phone conversation. Barnes stood frozen in the doorway, briefcase in hand, mouth agape. Although this was HIS office, the delicate stranger seemed to own the room and entire space. With phone secured to ear and shoulder, she spun in the chair and poured hot coffee from the brewer set-up on the credenza behind the desk. She turned back efficiently and presented Barnes with the steaming
Cup.

     ”Sugar?” She asked.

     ”Ah...wha...no, no thank you.” Barnes took the cup.

     The girl spoke into the phone. ”He just came in, hold on.” She put the call on hold and stood, performing a slight bow.

     ”Mr. Barnes, I’m very pleased to meet you.” She said.

     ”Who ARE you?” Barnes asked.

     ”I work for Miss Hunter.” She answered.

     ”Fallon? Where is she?” He asked.

     ”She’s out on a case. She asked me to tell you that she found Jake, he’s fine and she’ll fill you in on the details later. Oh, she also borrowed the binoculars from your office.” The girl finished speaking and sat down again.

     Before Barnes could process any of the information, from behind, Detectives Nick Bonetti and Harry Tong appeared.

     Bonetti spoke. ”Mr. Barnes, we have a warrant to search your offices, and we’re going to have to ask Miss Hunter to come with us. She’s to be placed under arrest as a material witness in at least one murder investigation, possibly more.” Bonetti looked around. ”Where is she?”

     Barnes’ stunned look turned to shock. ”I don’t know, I just walked in.”

     All three men turned to the pretty receptionist, as if to inquire as to Fallon’s whereabouts. ”She’s out on a case.” The girl said.

     ”A case?” Bonetti exclaimed. ”What case? You know where she is or not?”

     ”I answer the phone.” The receptionist answered enigmatically.

     ”You answer the phones.” Bonetti looked from the girl to Barnes to his partner, as if for translation. He said to Harry Tong. ”See what you can get out of her, will you Harry?”

     ”Yes sir.” Harry Tong’s eyes never left the girl.

     ”Mr. Barnes.” Bonetti said. ”Could we have a word please?”

     ”Certainly, come into my office.” Offered Barnes.

     Harry Tong’s heartbeat had picked up an extra beat when he’d noticed the girl behind the desk. It was the same one he’d followed into the Ashburn Theater, and lost. Fallon Hunter’s friend. Up close, she was probably the most attractive woman he’d ever seen. She was dressed in an olive-green, silk blouse with lace collar and cuffs. Her modest, knee-length skirt tugged gently at lithe curves and the sunlight from the window created a halo effect, giving her an angelic glow. Her face was flawless, highlighted by prominent cheekbones and dangerous, onyx eyes. Her manner bespoke charm, grace and self-assurance. She smelled like heaven and sex. Harry Tong was hypnotized and he felt something hard and expanding, in his throat. Like a giant Ping-Pong ball lodged securely, not allowing air in or out.

     ”Excuse me a moment.” The girl said. It sounded like caramel melting over a light bulb. Sweet and burning and irresistibly enticing. She pushed the hold button on the phone. ”Sorry to keep you waiting, the police are here.” She paused. ”Yes, can you call later?” She hung up.

     ”Who was that?” Harry asked.

     ”A friend.” She answered. ”Personal calls on office time?” Harry inquired.

     The girl smiled demurely but didn’t respond. She swiveled around in her chair and poured another cup of coffee.

     ”What’s your name?” Harry asked.

     She spun back, offering the cup to the detective, exposing just a little leg in the process, as her skirt tested it’s limits at her thighs. Harry tried to swallow.

     ”Sugar?” She asked.

     ”Your name’s sugar?” Harry teased. Joanie Kwan smiled coyly.

* * *

     Across the street from the Hollywood office, Fallon Dawn Hunter hung up the phone in the drug store phone booth and slid the binoculars back into the case. Just as she had suspected, the police had shown up at the office and Kwan had confirmed that, indeed, they were looking for her. She wasn’t quite prepared to answer their questions at the moment. There were a few stops she needed to make.

     When she arrived at Cedar’s Sinai Hospital, she was surprised to see that Frankie was already there, visiting his mother and keeping bedside vigil. The room was filled with beeping machines, attached to the aging actress; tubes and wires and sterile linens and flowers added gravity to the solemn setting. It was like a funeral-in-waiting. Before she entered, Fallon took a moment to speak to the doctor in charge. She stepped into Vivian’s room quietly.

     ”How is she?” She asked Frankie.

     ”She hasn’t woken up yet, they don’t know how bad it is.” Frankie said solemnly.

     ”It’s good you came Frankie.” Said Fallon.

     ”Do you think she knows I’m here?” He asked.

     ”She knows.” Fallon paused. ”When’d you get back?”

     ”Early this morning, I took the red-eye.” Frankie looked up. ”I guess I forgot to thank you for coming to the rescue back in Frisco. That was brave what you did.” Frankie spoke sincerely.

     She was taken aback by the remark. ”I was scared to death.” She said.

     Frankie expressed understanding with a slight smile. ”I really thought we were goners. How’s Joanie?” He asked.

     ”She’s fine. A good night’s rest and a shower does wonders.” Fallon said. ”You should get some sleep Frankie.” She suggested seriously.

     ”It can wait.” He said.

     ”Did you talk to Mirna?” Fallon asked.

     ”You know about her?” He asked back.

     ”It’s my job.” Fallon said.

     ”You’re some kind of a P.I or something, right?” Frankie asked.

     ”Something like that.” She said.

     ”She was gone when I got back to the hotel. Serves me right, she probably made the right decision. I’m not much of a catch, or much of a good luck charm. Everyone I come in contact with seems to suffer. Joanie, Nirna...others.” He said quietly.

     ”You mean Emma Cuenca?” Fallon said.

     ”You know about that?” Frankie was mildly shocked.

     ”The police are looking for you Frankie, they’re going to want to talk to you about Emma’s murder.” Fallon advised.

     ”It was Mudcat.” Frankie exclaimed.

     ”I know that. But it’s probably best if you lay low awhile longer, until I can explain that to them.” Said Fallon.

     ”You’re going to tell them about San Francisco? The kidnapping and everything?” Asked Frankie.

     ”I don’t know what I’ll tell them.” She said.

     ”I guess I could go back to the bay for awhile, look for Mirna.” He said.

     ”I think you should know Frankie, she’s pregnant.” Said Fallon.

     ”How do you know that?” He asked perplexed.

     ”I just know. I’ll keep an eye on Vivian, I’ll tell her you were here.” Fallon said.

     ”They’ll probably be here soon.” Frankie turned and looked at his mother. ”I guess you never know how much something, or someone, means to you...until it’s too late.” He said.

     ”It’s not too late Frank.” Fallon said. She handed him a business card. ”Let me know where you are.” He nodded, then left.

     When Frankie had gone, Fallon took a seat next to the bed and took the comatose actresses’ hand. ”Viv, if it weren’t for you, I’d never have embarked on this journey and adventure. Frankie and Kwan would probably be dead, Emma’s killer would still be running free, we’d still not know what’s behind Alan’s death, and I’d probably be toiling away at some boring job, leading a normal existence. I also wouldn’t have had to shoot a man, witness three other deaths, nearly get my head handed to me, and been a party to disposing of bodies, lying to the police and concealing evidence in capital crimes. You’ve been a true inspiration, a benefactor and confidante. I can’t stand to see you waste away and suffer my friend. I’d rather see you die with dignity than linger in pain.”

     With that said, Fallon reached down and pulled the plug on the nearest machine. She waited...

     ”You unplugged the T.V.” Vivian said as she opened one eye.

     ”There’s nothing on anyway.” Fallon countered.

     Vivian rearranged the bed pillows and adjusted the bed with the remote in order to sit up more comfortably. ”How’d you know’?” She asked.

     ”The doctor said there’s nothing wrong with you...physically.” Fallon said.

     ”Incompetent fools. I could’ve milked this performance for weeks.” Vivian complained.

      ”Just to get out of police questioning?” Asked Fallon.

     ”You catch on quick my young friend.” Vivian said proudly.

     ”You really are a good actress.” Fallon said. ”I’m glad you’re alright. Did you have to leave Frankie thinking you’re going to die though?”

      ”He deserves it. It’s good for him to think about someone other than himself for awhile.” Vivian remarked. ”You’ll let him know in time. But, now, tell me everything that’s happened!”

     For the better part of an hour, Fallon recounted the adventure of the past days as Vivian listened intently. When she’d concluded, Vivian asked. ”So, the same man who killed Alan Rassmussen ended up being your salvation by killing this Mudcat Jones?”

     ”MAY have killed Alan, I’m not so sure anymore. Alan’s own treachery may have contributed to the death. He was trying to sell Jake’s script for profit, but it turned out to be a copy, when only the original would do.” Fallon explained.

     Vivian inquired. ”Why, do you think it’s so valuable?”

     Fallon took a deep breath then spoke. ”Jake Barnes was doing temp work at Fox Studios when he got the idea of writing his own spec. script. As you know, one of the primary hour-long dramas filmed on the lot has a running theme for every show, of murder. Jake wrote the story of a jealous husband who conceals the murder of his wife by staging a boating accident. Coincidentally, he happened to make the acquaintance of a major movie star while working on the lot, whose husband is the executive producer and star of the show he was writing the spec. script for. He asked her to take a look at it and maybe pass it on to her husband. That actress, was...”

     ”Natalie.” Vivian finished the sentence.

     ”Yes!” Fallon continued. ”Jake didn’t hear anything back and was soon let go from the temp job. Less than two weeks later, Natalie died in what appeared to be a tragic boating accident. In the exact same manner as depicted in Jake’s script.” Fallon waited.

     ”The inference being – the husband got the idea of murdering Natalie from Jake’s script? That’s wildly preposterous dear!” Vivian exclaimed.

     ”Is it? The appearance of guilt and the suspicion already surrounded the husband, such a high-profile Hollywood actor, and valued commodity for the studio; they couldn’t take the chance that Jake would surface with the script detailing the exact plot, written before the incident. Such intrigue would have tainted the studio beyond acceptable standards, besides, they easily had the resources to make the problem go away.” Fallon concluded.

     ”So, they went after Jake?” Vivian stated.

     ”They wanted that original script, and assurances Jake would keep quiet.” Fallon explained. ”The muscle sent to pressure Jake got heavy-handed and Jake thought his life was in jeopardy. He fought back in self-defense, and ended up killing the assailant.” Fallon concluded.

      ”So they sent another enforcer.” Vivian spoke.

     ”Yes. This time though, an assassin.” Fallon stated.

     ”But, you presented the disfigured corpse of the desk clerk, in the cabin as Jake Barnes...to the would-be assassin, in effect...resulting in the dogs being called off of the search for Jake. In the process, the bodies and evidence were cleaned from the scene, insuring the safety and security of all concerned, including Alan’s family. Your unspoken word of honor given not to speak to the police of matters best left unsaid, in trade for the assassin’s saving your, and your friends lives.” Vivian surmised aloud.

     ”In a nutshell, I suppose that’s true.” Fallon said.

     ”There’s one thing I’m not clear on dear...if the script you delivered to Griffith Park was a copy, and Jake gave the original to Natalie to give to her husband, why the desperation to retrieve the original? Didn’t the husband already have it? And if not, where is it?” Vivian asked.

     ”That...” Fallon began. ”Is the million dollar question!”

     Vivian thought deeply for a moment. ”Speaking of money, hand me my purse dear.” She fumbled through it and pulled out a checkbook and began writing. ”You, deserve a nice bonus for delivering my son to me! You turned out to be quite the little detective. Is there a particular amount you might have in mind dear?” She asked.

     Fallon thought. ”I could use fifteen-thousand, if you could manage it.”

     Vivian smiled and continued writing, then handed the check over.

     ”Thirty-thousand dollars!” Fallon exclaimed. ”Why so much?”

     ”A retainer dear, I have another assignment for you.” Vivian said.

     ”Which is?” Fallon, asked.

     ”Find my grandchild. You said Mirna is pregnant. I can’t count on Frankie to follow through, bring me my grandchild Fallon and I’ll make sure your little detective agency has funding for the duration. Are you up to the task?” Vivian asked.

     ”How hard can a missing persons case be?” Fallon remarked ironically.

     ”Precisely!” Vivian exclaimed. ”Now, tell me dear, how much are you going to tell the police?”

     ”I’m not sure yet, no more than I have to I suppose. There are many things that I’ve done that aren’t exactly within the confines of the law.” Fallon spoke honestly.

     ”You might need a lawyer my dear.” Vivian offered.

     ”Can you recommend one?” Fallon asked.

     ”Oh, yes. The absolute best. I have them on retainer.” Vivian dug in her bag. She handed Fallon a business card, it read: ’Ratterson, Taggert and Wick’, a Law Corporation.

     Fallon’s spirits were soaring as she left the Beverly Hill’s bank after cashing Vivian’s check. Her first stop was at the Dragon Lady Bar, where she presented Masumi Na with fifteen-thousand dollars to pay off Joanie Kvan’s smugglers. She threw in an extra thousand for Ma-Na, who accepted with a big smile and renewed assurance that she had a friend and highly influential patron for life.

     She then borrowed the phone and called Detective Bonetti.

     ”Bonetti speaking.”

     ”Nick, this is Fallon Hunter. I just got back in town and thought we should talk.” She began.

     ”Alright, why don’t you come by the precinct and we’ll do that.” He said.

     ”Would tomorrow be alright?” She asked. ”I could use a decent night’s sleep.”

     ”Tomorrow’s fine. And Fallon, don’t let me down.” Bonetti said seriously.

     Fallon dropped by the Hollywood office and greeted Burl Barnes, welcoming him back from vacation and telling him she’d catch him up on all the news the next day. She also gave him a thousand dollars for rent and office expenses and advised him that she would be taking over Alan’s office for the time being. He hugged her affectionately, and although slightly bewildered, thanked her warmly. She and Kwan picked up take-out, and over a candlelight dinner in the tiny Hollywood apartment, discussed the day’s events.

     ”That Detective Harry Tong asked me out.” Kwan stated.

     ”You going to go?” Asked Fallon.

     ”I don’t know.” She eyed Fallon for reaction. ”You’re not jealous?”

     Fallon feigned surprise. ”Jealous? That’s silly, why would I be?”

      ”He could help me out...with my...situation.” Kwan said.

     ”You mean – your smugglers?” Fallon asked. Kwan nodded. ”You don’t have to worry about that anymore.” Fallon explained Vivian’s generous bonus and told her of her debt being paid.

     ”You mean, I’m free?” Kwan asked excitedly.

     ”Yes Joanie, you’re completely free.” Fallon said happily. She read the instantaneous joy and relief in Kwan’s eyes and for that one moment, felt no trepidation of facing the police tomorrow, no worries of wrongs done or lies told, no insecurities or fear or resentments. The unrestrained delight on Kwan’s face erased any unpleasant lingering thoughts and feelings, replacing them with the rapturous bliss of knowing she’d done something really good for someone who truly deserved it.

     ”Oh Fallon, how can I ever thank you?” Kwan asked with tears in her eyes.

      ”You already have.” She answered.

     As she lay in the warm bath, the steam surrounding her in comforting warmth, Kwan’s sweet voice filled the apartment as she sang a melodious tune in Chinese as she washed dishes. Fallon thought about how Kwan’s presence brought life to the drab little rooms and how wonderful life was when it went right. She thought of how living was merely a string of moments tied together and how the pleasant times ought to be cherished and remembered, and called upon when needed. She thought of all the people she’d encountered during the recent adventure and all the experiences she’d survived. She thought of the terrible tragedy that had befallen Alan and his family, the lonely desk clerk, and the beautiful actress who she wished she would have had the chance to meet.

     What a fantastic life Natalie must have led, only to end in tragedy and cold doom in the unforgiving depths of the ocean – the same waters where Fallon had watched her own tormentor sent to his frigid, dark, watery grave. One life lived in joy and success, the other wreaking murderous havoc, both ending suddenly without fanfare or warning.

     That night, one of Natalie’s old movies played on the late show in black and white. She was young and graceful and vibrant and her image jumped off the screen with life and energy. Fallon and Joanie Kwan stayed up late and ate popcorn and did each other’s hair and toenails and savored life as it’s meant to be enjoyed. Kwan fell asleep on Fallon’s lap. She quietly got up and gathered up the dishes and reached to turn the T.V. off as the movie was ending.

     Natalie was walking down a gravel driveway in the final scene, away from the only home she’d ever known. It reminded Fallon of her own Lonely, Kansas homestead – simple and warm and long ago. Natalie paused and turned, taking one last long, forlorn look back. Doubt, fear, excitement shown on her face, then she waved one time and turned, disappearing in the distance. Fallon stood in front of the T.V. as the credits rolled and the music played – she had tears in her eyes. Under her breath she whispered. ”Goodbye Natalie...Goodbye.”

THE END