The Lovely Chocolate Mob - By Richard J. Bennett Page 0,92

I had suggested it before.”

“We made a deal,” I said. He owes me something, and I suggested this as a means of payback.”

“He owes you his life. I see. It’s not his idea; it’s yours; you’re holding his feet to the fire.”

“Well, yes, but he didn’t refuse. He could have. That’s a start.” I was trying to sound positive without defending Franklin too much; I didn’t want her to think I was on his side. I didn’t want her to get the idea that I took sides.

“Do you know what kind of a risk you’re taking?” asked Helen. “Everybody in the city is looking for Franklin. The police have practically taken up residence in our guesthouse; I had to chase them out of the garage. They only agreed to locate there because it’s air-conditioned. They’re convinced he’s drained Susan Lovely’s bank account and murdered old man Lovely in order to gain access to his billions!”

“I know you’re under a lot of stress, Helen, but remember this: There are cutthroats out there looking for him. The only way for him to stay alive is to stay hidden. He can do nothing at the moment to clear his name. He’s made mistakes, but he’s your chosen husband and the father of your four children, all who seem to love him.”

This brought Helen into our reality for a moment. I hoped she wasn’t uncontrollably angry with him; the only reason he was in deep trouble now was from his involvement with Susan Lovely.

“I’ll try to stay calm and reasonable,” said Helen. “Karen, it’s good of you to agree to be a part of this. What do you charge?”

“There’s no charge, Mrs. Burke. You’re friends with Randall. That’s good enough for pro-bono.”

I looked over to Miss Planter, surprised by her quickness and style. She was covering up for me; I’d pay the fee, of course, but she didn’t let Helen know. This was good of Miss Planter.

“She’s really a very good counselor. I recommend her.”

Helen looked at me again; she knew something was going on. Woman’s intuition was at work; this was supposed to be about her marriage, not about me.

“I’ve got to get back to the house,” said Helen. “The police are there; they’ll probably get suspicious if I’m gone too long. They’re watching everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if they followed me here.”

“You’re just eating out and seeing old friends,” I said, giving her an explanation for “stepping out.” “They have no reason to suspect us. It might do some good to see other friends, also. Throw them off our trail; this will help Franklin.”

“Thanks for all you’re doing, Randall. Thank you also, Miss Planter.” Helen stood to leave, and I stood as well. “Franklin doesn’t deserve such friends.” She looked at me. “Keep in touch,” she said, and left.

I didn’t have much of an appetite after that and wound up picking at my spaghetti. Miss Planter noticed; she was a sharp lady, keen, and could read subtle body language.

“Randall, it’s getting late, and I’ve got to work tomorrow.” O.K., I had to work also. I had to get back to the house and check on Walter and Dr. Burke. I settled up with the waiter and left, taking Miss Planter back to her apartment. I escorted her to her front door, she opened it, then turned to me and said, “You’re a good man, Randall Owen,” reaching up to touch my cheek, then planting a big kiss right on my face! On my mouth, right on my garlic and spaghetti tasting mouth.

Well, hey, I wasn’t going to let her hit and run, so I put one right back on her, and we spent a few minutes smooching in her apartment before I decided that she really had to work tomorrow and I needed to make myself scarce. I left quickly, and once out in the car decided what had just happened was fun. I’d almost forgotten how much fun.

Now I didn’t mind going home and checking on the houseguests, both fugitives from the law, one from the chocolate mob as well. I wondered how much time I’d get for aiding and abetting a couple of suspects from justice.

Getting into a Routine

For the next few weeks we tried to establish a routine around the small house, as much as we possibly could. There were more groceries to be purchased since there were three of us now; hopefully I wasn’t under any surveillance. Maybe if I had gotten fatter, this would explain the