Drive

By Denis J. LaComb

The Coachella Valley is a desert hot spot ...where love grows. Book Two of the Debris series continues the stories of Miranda, Robert, Juliet, Natalie, Tom, Brett, Payton, & Millie.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Denis J. LaComb
• Release date: Dec 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370223916

Denis J. LaComb

Denis LaComb is a storyteller. Dissatisfied with a single title such as novelist, screenwriter, or playwright, Denis decided that the most apt description of his work would simply be: Storytelling. No matter what the genre; novel, play, movie, or children’s books, the essence of Denis’ work is storytelling in its purest form. While the characters may change and the story may vary, at the core of all of Denis’s work is a story to be told. A story that might involve mystery, passion, conflict, or the intricacies of relationships. The catalyst for Denis to begin writing full time was a decision to wind down his video production business. With the threat of retirement looming in his future, Denis went back to work on a Western novel he’d written forty years earlier. This was his first writing project and hence, a new career was born. He rewrote that novel and in short order, completed three more novels and four screen-plays. At that point, Denis decided to take some of the made-up tales he’d created for his grandchildren and turn them into picture books. Skinny Hippo is the first of such picture books. Denis is also writing scripts for television movies and has completed several plays, which he is shopping around for the proper venue. Denis and his wife, Sharon, divide their time between traveling, Minnesota, and Southern California with long layovers in Colorado where three of their grandchildren live.

Book preview

DRIVE

Book Two of the

Debris

Series

A Novel By

Denis J. LaComb

Drive

Second Edition

Copyright © 2017 Denis J. LaComb

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Published by BAMs2 Publishing

A division of Sharden, LLC.

Credits:

Cover Design by Vida Raine

To Sharon who believed in me at the

beginning and still does after all these years.

To my children, Brian and Melanie, who

continue to inspire me.

To Vida for her help with editing, book design,

blogging, web design, and other sundry

crafts of writing and publishing.

CHAPTER ONE

Street kids have built-in radar for the unexpected and out of sorts. It’s born in back alley encounters, classroom conflicts, and troubles at home. It’s in their instincts to notice what others miss and grasp opportunities unseen by most. For all the smooth workings of Tom Thornton’s business on the surface, Robert still knew something was amiss.

The kid felt uneasy at work. It was nothing specific that he could pin down. Instead it was a combination of off-hand comments made by Tom, Carlos’ not so subtle remarks about the warehouse and Miranda’s warnings about Fatima spying on the two of them. There was something about Tom’s warehouse that wasn’t right, but Robert couldn’t figure out exactly what it might be.

Tom Thornton’s comments weren’t very well hidden. They often slipped out under the guise of a joke or sick humor. Robert knew that Tom was convinced his daughter was messing around and he meant to prove it, but Robert also knew there was an unexpected problem. He had proven to be an exceptionally hard worker and Tom wasn’t about to lose that sweat equity if he didn’t have to. Yet the boss seemed determined to watch Robert carefully through Fatima and keep him out of the yard and away from his daughter.

There was something else that was playing into the situation. Carlos had alluded to it on the very first day when he’d told the kid to stay clear of the warehouse unless told specifically to go there for something. Robert’s work partner never said why and Robert didn’t pursue it at first.

After several more warnings from Carlos, Robert confronted his partner and asked why.

Tom’s cheating his customers…has been for a long time, was all Carlos would say. You don’t need to know any more than that. If you want to keep your job, you keep your mouth shut and don’t ask any more questions.

Robert wasn’t about to let it go so he kept pestering his partner for more answers.

After several beers after work, Carlos fessed up. The boss had been running a scam for a long time. It was relatively simple and hardly imaginative.

Tom would order parts for a remodel or any other project on the books and then store the parts in his main warehouse until needed. What his customers didn’t know was that Tom had ordered far more supplies than were actually needed for those remodels. That excess inventory would disappear from the warehouse the night after it was delivered.

Why? Robert asked.

Carlos shrugged his shoulders. He explained that Tom had been doing it for a long time. The boss would mix different parts under a single category. So plumbing for a California Ranch kitchen would be mixed with mid-century modern kitchen fixtures. The order was categorized for one particular house and the accountants didn’t know the difference. Nor did the customers who never saw a detailed breakdown of the parts. It all came under expenses for the remodel. The more remodels Tom did the more over-supplies ended up in his second warehouse at no extra cost to him.

What becomes of it? Robert asked Carlos.

Beats me, Carlos answered, all I know is that Tom seems to know what he’s doing.

Maybe he’s selling it on eBay or craigslist, Robert said.

On what? Carlos asked.

Oh, never mind, Robert answered, if nobody else is asking. I’m not about to.

Good thinking, kid, Carlos laughed, you just might keep your job that way.

When Robert tried to bring it up to Miranda she practically bit his head off. Robert, I don’t know what you’re talking about, she snarled. that’s just old gossip among the crew. Let it go! My God, Robert, I can’t take care of you and my old man too. I have enough on my mind.

Oh, Miranda, what’s that all about? Robert asked defensively.

Nothing! Just nothing, Miranda spat back.

OK, Robert thought as he watched Miranda stomp back into the office. I guess we don’t talk about that again. He’d let it go and not mess up things that seemed to be going his way.

Robert was settling into his groove at work. Carlos turned out to be an excellent mentor and had shown the kid numerous tricks of the trade. He also didn’t mind letting Robert pick up the slack when Carlos got tired most afternoons.

Working out at Palm Springs Fitness had also improved Robert’s muscle tone and endurance. The kid was getting stronger and more agile. He was now better able to handle the increasing rigors of his job. Tom noticed the kid’s increasing workload and added more jobs for him and Carlos to complete.

It was all coming together for the kid and he didn’t want to blow it. For now, Robert would keep his mouth shut; his eyes open, and do the job as best he could. He’d become aware of Fatima’s watchful eyes whenever he was in the office. If he played his cards right Robert could grow on the job and save some money besides. When the time came, he might venture out on his own and establish himself as a competent, skilled, and reliable player in the field. And he’d try to make sure there was a remarkable woman beside him…like Miranda.

Juliet rolled over and stretched out her arm. It landed on the warm sheets still rumpled from the night before. Natalie was gone. Juliet looked up and saw her standing in the shower toweling off. The woman still had a beautiful body for thirty-something.

You didn’t wake me.

Sorry, I forgot. I’ve really got to get going. I’ve got a breakfast meeting at Sherman’s Deli and a nine o’clock that I’m not prepared for. Be a sweetheart and let yourself out, will you?

Natalie, you promised you’d take the day off. Do you have to go to work? It’s Saturday.

I must. Business is business.

What about tonight?

Can’t.

Why not?

Other plans.

What other plans?

Another board meeting.

On a Saturday night?

At the art museum before the official opening of the blown glass exhibit.

I could meet you there.

I told you before we started this that I was a very busy person. We can do something Sunday. I won’t plan anything else … just you and me … all day. OK?

Juliet slid out of bed and reached for her panties and bra. She stood up and slipped them on then grabbed her dress from the chair. Natalie watched her get dressed and smiled.

You aren’t mad, are you?

Yes.

All day Sunday then. Now can you be a doll and start the coffee please?

Juliet walked up to Natalie and planted a kiss on her smiling lips, Why do I let you treat me like this? Toy with me at night and then dump me in the morning.

Oh, please, drama queen. Just start the coffee and buy another tube of lube at the drugstore.

God, you are impossible, Juliet shrieked then planted another kiss on Natalie and retreated to the kitchen and Natalie’s over-priced European coffeemaker.

Love you, sweetie, Natalie shouted from the other room.

I love you too, Natalie … but I do wish you were a better planner.

Juliet spent most of the day at her condo doing laundry, perusing real estate reports, and tanning by the pool. She put in a call to Millie but the actress had gone to San Diego for some tests. Brett and Payton were at their design store in North Palm Springs so Juliet met them there and together they trolled a number of the art galleries in the neighborhood.

As they exited the last of the modernism showrooms, Brett grabbed Juliet’s hand. Let’s do coffee or an espresso. He pointed to a newly decorated storefront just down the block. They opened last week and I’ve read great things about them on Yelp. Come on, girl, you need a cup of joe with two old queens.

Juliet laughed and grabbed Payton’s hand. The trio waltzed down to the coffee shop.

They each ordered their own designer coffee and retreated to a small booth in the back of the store. Brett hipped Payton over so he could sit across from Juliet.

Tell me, girl. What do you hear from Millie about our work? Now be honest. We know she was quite hesitant at first to deal with our kind, but she really seems to have come around.

She loves you. Thinks you’re both the greatest thing since the dry martini and has fully embraced your rampant homosexuality.

Oh, my, God! Brett exclaimed, hands palming his cheeks, she’s found out! How did she know?

The trio exploded in laughter and caused heads to turn throughout the shop.

Seriously, Millie really loves your work. I think you’ve both helped her regain her self-confidence and her love of old Palm Springs. I know for a fact that she’s talked to just about every member of our girls’ gym about what you’ve done to her home. She’s probably become your best advocate thus far.

She’s a doll and…

Brett’s cell phone vibrated and he glanced down at the screen. Payton looked over but ignored his partner and stirred his coffee with a spoon. When Brett was done looking at the screen, Payton asked, Who was that?

Prescription is ready at the drug store.

They alert you now by text?

Isn’t technology amazing? Brett replied.

Speaking of love lives, Payton said, tell us all about you and Natalie…

OK, I’ll confess… Brett cajoled.

Oh, shut up Brett. Let Juliet do the talking.

Juliet shrugged her shoulders. What can I say, boys? She’s beautiful, brilliant, thought-provoking, frustrating, maddening, has a body to die for, and is as gentle in…

Any pictures?

Oh stop it, Brett. God, you can be such a perv.

I’m kidding, dear. I’m just kidding, Brett answered defensively. he leaned forward and grasped Juliet’s hand. We are both very happy for you. Finding someone to share your life with is the most wonderful thing in the world.

I never thought I’d be talking about myself and another woman. It was all so unexpected and strange and altogether wonderful at the same time. Did something like that happen to you two?

Payton looked over at Brett, No, this one was the more rambling type. I had to put him out to pasture and help him stop his foraging ways.

So I don’t forage no more. Brett said laughing.

Juliet got serious. She stopped smiling and cupped her coffee, I’m new to this whole girl on girl thing. I thought I knew men pretty well but Natalie is presenting an entirely different kind of relationship. I mean we spend a lot of evenings together and that means lessons in bed.

She’s the tutor?

Exactly, Juliet answered, and I’m entirely OK with that. It’s slow and sensual and takes my breath away, but…

But, both Brett and Payton prodded in unison.

The sex is great but the morning after is hell. Natalie is an entirely different person in the morning. I know she still loves me but she becomes all business and uptight. It’s work, work, work. Even today she had to go off to a meeting and then some event tonight at the art museum.

Why didn’t she take you? Payton asked.

I’m sure it’s because she’s one of the directors there and needs to mix and mingle with everyone.

Or...?

What? Juliet asked.

Oh, never mind him, Payton said.

No, Juliet insisted, what were you going to say?

Honey, Natalie is a very attractive woman. Just because she’s dating you doesn’t mean she is going to remain monogamous. Some folks can’t be. It’s not in their genes, Brett explained.

Present company excluded, Payton said looking over at Brett.

Oh, stop it, Payton, I’m serious. Juliet needs to know the lay of the land if she doesn’t want to get hurt in this relationship.

I don’t believe it, Juliet answered, I mean we never talked about it, but I just assumed that when we started dating she wouldn’t be seeing other women…or men for that matter.

Assumed…not talked about. That’s one big assumption on your part with a beauty like your boss, Payton said. Maybe you need to sit down with her tomorrow and go over the ground rules before this thing of yours goes much further with her.

I don’t want to think about Natalie with someone else.

Honey, neither one of us is suggesting anything like that. I’m sure it’s all perfectly innocent with her tonight at the museum. We’re just saying that you should be able to talk to her face to face, heart to heart, and come to some kind of understanding. Erase whatever doubt may be lingering.

Juliet looked at Brett and Payton. Her doe eyes seemed to moisten in the light overhead. Payton reached over and put his hand on hers. He gave her a gentle squeeze. Isn’t it better to know than not?

Yes, of course, you’re both right. I’ll talk to her about it tomorrow. Put it on the table and clear the air.

Atta girl, now you’re talking like a trooper and not some slave to love.

Brett’s phone vibrated again. This time Payton watched him intently as he peeked at the tiny screen then put the phone back in his pocket.

The pharmacy again?

They are persistent.

I don’t believe it…in this day and age … a pharmacy that cares about customer service.

Brett slid out of the booth and leaned over to hug Juliet. He held her tightly then kissed her on the cheek and was out the door.

He must be really taking care of himself to be so diligent about getting his prescription, Juliet said.

Yeah, something like that, Payton answered and let it drop.

Before he left the coffee shop Brett texted ‘ten minutes’ on his phone then drove away.

Tom Thornton’s lack of attention was frustrating Fatima. He had promised the young girl more responsibilities if she performed well. Yet there had been neither promotion nor extra attention in the first three months on the job.

Just tell me if I’m doing a good job, Fatima pleaded with Thornton one day. You promised me that if I…

If you’re not doing your job, I’ll tell you, Tom interrupted, otherwise just assume you’re doing OK, but part of what I said was that you were supposed to find out what was going on with my daughter. Have you found out any more about that kid and…?

No, nothing yet. Fatima answered.

Bullshit! Don’t tell me that. I know those two are…

I talk to both of them…a lot, but I haven’t seen them leave together or get together when they’re here. They’re leading separate lives as far as I can see.

Well, I don’t believe it, Tom shot back. I don’t trust that wetback. Not one damn bit. I know he’s got a hard-on for Miranda. And I don’t know if I trust her judgment when she’s around him. I know they’re screwing around. I just can’t prove it.

Well, I haven’t seen anything… Fatima said.

Tom spun around and walked toward the front door. Yeah, I know, he mumbled as he walked away. You didn’t see a thing. Well, just keep looking because it’s there. Something’s going on. Find out what! He went out the front door slamming it behind him.

Fatima watched him go and felt anger rise up inside. What more did he want? Why was he being such a prick? Tom asked her to spy on Miranda and Robert and she had. He was so adamant that his daughter was fooling around but he had no proof. Nothing to base that opinion on other than his blind insistence that something was going on.

Fatima liked her new job. It gave her ample opportunity to party at night and sleep in on weekends. Her new apartment was small but it was enough to meet her needs. She wasn’t about to blow her new lifestyle just because her boss didn’t like what she had to say. Fatima was determined to tell the boss what he wanted to hear…be it the truth or not.

So she devised a plan.

If need be she’d make something up. Yeah, Fatima thought, I’ll tell Thornton that I’ve seen Miranda and Robert in Sunrise Park one night. They’ll be making out in Miranda’s car then they left and I won’t follow them. It would be enough to satisfy the old man that the kid was screwing his daughter.

That should satisfy the boss, Fatima thought. That’s what he wants to hear anyway. Fatima would simply give him what he thought he knew already. He’d recognize that Fatima was doing her job. Happy with her decision, Fatima was determined to get closer to her boss. Not just because he might promote her but he could probably use a little relief from the tensions of the day anyway.

Fatima’s failure to dig up dirt on his daughter and Robert was the least of Tom Thornton’s concerns now. A much graver issue had landed on his desk that morning in the form of more complaint letters from the Better Business Bureau and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.

It wasn’t the first time Thornton had received a scathing letter accusing him of cheating customers, over-billing for projects, and doing shoddy remodeling work. He’d weathered those storms in the past and he’d do it again.

What troubled Tom this time was the bold lettering at the bottom of the page. It was a notice that said a formal complaint was being forwarded to the Riverside County Commissioners office, Department of Code and Building Enforcement. If that was true, Thornton would soon have inspectors nosing through his warehouses and cross-checking those supplies against his past billings. That kind of close inspection would increase exponentially the county’s chances of finding out about Tom’s little scam.

On top of that city code inspectors were getting more particular in