September Chill

By T Chase

Set on the plains in the small town of McPherson, Kansas, young widow Liza spends her days working at the courthouse and focused on her daughter Lina, never thinking twice about the would-be suitors who try to charm her. She has kept herself since her husband died and she always says that love just happens along the way. Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, that is exactly what happens. She meets Alfredo, the owner of a landscaping business, and they quickly fall in love.

Casting aside judgment and warnings about marrying someone she doesn’t know from those closest to her, Liza gives in to her feelings, and she and Alfredo get married. But what appears to be the fairy tale story quickly turns into a nightmare when people around her start to turn up dead. What the reader knows yet Liza remains oblivious of is that the lawn guy Alfredo is a cold-blooded killer who has a side business of smuggling people across the border. The only people who know never live to tell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Victoria Publishing
• Release date: May 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005842277

T Chase

T. Chase is a lover of hardboiled detective novels. When he’s not banging the punching bag, he’s banging on the typewriter.

Book preview

Chapter 1

"Alfredo, it’s so good to see you,’ the man said as he sat down in the booth.

The place was quiet. Ten p.m. was bed time in this part of the country. This was the land of the working man.

What can I get you? the waitress said with an open tablet in her hand.

Coffee and two eggs over easy with light toast, Alfredo said, smiling at the lady.

And you? she said turning to the man in the tie.

Just coffee please, he said, and then she disappeared.

We need you to do us a favor this Thursday, Alfredo said. He bent in and talked at a half whisper.

"Things are a little hot for me now, Alfredo. You know, the last time was supposed to be the last time...with all due respect," the man said. He had a slight tremble in his voice.

Listen, John, we need a truck. What’s better than a giant refrigerated poultry truck making its normal run? Alfredo said and ignored the man’s answer. Alfredo wasn’t asking.

The man sat and simply looked at him and said, Sure. Sure. Anything you need, the man said.

It’s set then. Listen, we really appreciate you. I’ll pass it on, and someone will be in touch, Alfredo said and smiled.

John pulled nervously at his tie and the waitress arrived with two coffees. Five minutes later she brought a plate. He couldn’t read Alfredo very well but it all seemed fine now. They laughed and talked about the road construction, high school off season football practice, and the new bridge.

They had known each other for a while and, to Alfredo, this was small community relations, for both of them. Alfredo wiped up the egg yolk with his bread and smiled big. Everything was settled and the plans had been made. He called the waitress over and gave her some cash. She returned with his change but Alfredo waved her away kindly. The two men exited the restaurant and stood outside breathing in the last remnants of April.

The wind blew a little and a light spray covered everything. This was the weather that Alfredo liked. It made him feel alive.

By the way, send my best to the wife. When is she due? Alfredo said.

Aw, two weeks. I’ll tell her. The kids are getting anxious now to meet their little brother. Ryan says he’s gonna teach him how to play ball, John said. Then he turned around, walked to his car, and waved from behind.

Alfredo waved back and stood there. He watched John get in his car and pull off. The two-lane highway headed west out of town where an upscale subdivision of half million-dollar homes lay tucked behind a massive ten-foot wall, protected by a guard house and replete with all the amenities. People figured it was all for show because this was just a small town. There was no need for a wall. The bloodline of the community consisted of farming and the poultry industry. But, like any other community, it had its certain elite that thrived on conspicuous consumption, of which John Brewer was numbered.

Alfredo took a keychain from his pocket and flashed a small penlight once. A truck sitting idle in the parking lot came to life. It exited the lot just a minute behind John and headed in the same direction.

Look, I have no choice in the matter, John said to his wife on the phone as he came up on the bridge.

The waters were swollen and they raged along the crest of the ravine. The current was turbulent as if it were angered over something coming.

Well, I don’t know but I’ll do it this one last time, and then I’m sure Alfredo will talk to them for me. He’s a good guy, John said.

The black of the night broke open by a sudden burst of headlights inches from John’s bumper and he flinched for a second. A massive bump from behind jolted his car, and he swerved to the right. The car fishtailed and hit the end post of the bridge. It flipped, went airborne, and landed straight into the raging current below and then it disappeared, swallowed up.

The pickup with the massive grill attached to the front stopped and backed up. Everything was peaceful and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The waters continued to flow uninterrupted, covering one more secret of this small town.

ACROSS TOWN AT THAT minute, a sleepy little girl and her single mother were calling it a day.

Ok, baby, close your eyes now because mommy is sleepy too. Ok? Liza said.

Ok, mommy, but are we still going to the park on the weekend? said Lina, her five-year-old girl.

I promise, baby, that we will definitely go to the park on Saturday, and I will push you all the way up to the clouds in your favorite swing! her mommy said. They lay back to back on the bed. The mommy turned over and tickled her five-year-old in the ribs.

Lina giggled, then rolled over, and clutched her pillow. She fell asleep immediately and within minutes, she was dreaming of flying high on that very same swing.

Liza lay there, thinking, wondering, and plotting the next day. What a good life she had. As empty as it was without Lina’s daddy, she still felt grateful for the times she had spent just loving and being loved.

But now she was alone and had been for quite some time. She sighed thinking about it but then caught herself. She had to keep things positive. Things were good. After all, her days were filled up with Lina, school activities, work, and everything it took to keep a house going. But she still missed Ronnie, the love of her life. But he was in a better place. With this, she consigned herself to think no more, and her heavy eyelids slowly closed.

ALFREDO STOOD AND WAITED with a handful of books.  A book entitled Subterranean Stress Management caught Liza’s eye and he noticed the pretty lady in line next to him staring at his book. He smiled at her and looked down at his own book.

The line was long for an early morning bookstore browse but it was not as long as it could be. She had things to do.

Oh, I’m sorry to stare but it seems like such an unusual subject, Liza said and smiled back.

He shrugged and looked her books over. I have a landscaping company, so I need to keep on top of my things, he said.

She was a little taken with him because of his demeanor and his manner of speech. She could tell he was Hispanic, but he spoke fluently and with an educated flair.

She shook her head as if to say I see and I’m embarrassed that you caught me staring at your books though he pretended not to notice her tacit apology.

Well, excuse me if I look, too, but it seems like you are planning on cooking some Greek food? Alfredo said.

She realized that was her big save in that awkward moment and not a come on. Besides, he was allowed to talk to her, to be a little friendly. That’s what small town people do. That’s what small town people are-friendly.

McPherson, Kansas has a population of roughly 15,000 people, give or take. Everyone knows everyone, so everyone is a neighbor.

I am Alfredo, Alfredo said and extended his hand.

I am Liza. Nice to meet you.

She shook his hand, and they chatted until they both paid. Then they headed toward the door at the same time. He stopped and opened the door for her.

Listen, Miss Liza, I am headed next door to the donut shop. Best apple fritters and best coffee in town. He waved his hand to declare it a fact. Would you care to join me? he said.

She was caught off guard and stammered for a minute. But then she figured why not. Lina was with her grandparents this morning. What a welcome change.

Sure, why not? she said, Lead the way.

Oh, I am glad to hear that, he said as he pushed the door open further and let her pass through.

They walked directly over to the donut shop and she got a booth near the door.

He got two coffees and two apple fritters and sat across from her. She noticed his muscularity through his loose-fitting shirt and thought that he must work out.

So, tell me about Miss Liza, he said. He handed her the coffee and the fritter and scooted in closer to the center.

Not much to tell. I have a daughter and work at the courthouse, she said.

He smiled and leaned back.  To her, it looked like he was sizing her up while he sipped his coffee.

You have a daughter. Oh, how lovely. How old is she? he said.

She detected a very slight accent and knew that he was indeed Hispanic. But she also recognized the clear expression and educated crispness in his enunciation. The vowels were distinct. Even though he was dressed in a blue-collar working man’s outfit, he was anything but.

Her name is Lina, and she is five. She is just finishing kindergarten. Liza said beaming proudly.

Ah, such a tender, beautiful age. It is very plain to see that she is your whole world. Your face even lights up when you talk about her. I am sure that she is quite pretty like her mother, he said.

He said it nonchalantly and looked away as he did so she didn’t take it as a come on but a compliment.

Liza was beautiful and used to such comments, so her radar was constantly in motion, even when she tried to turn it off. Her hair hung down her back all the way to her waist and she wore it like a tiara, but she was still very unassuming.

Liza eyed him and summed up his appearance, but she was extremely careful not to be noticed. He was perfectly manicured and had his hair cut clean and low. He didn’t appear to be a working man except for his clothes.

And you, what’s your story? she asked.

Oh, nothing really. I am just a working man. I have a landscaping service, he said pointing to the truck in the parking lot next door at the bookstore.

She looked out and noticed a brand-new Ford F-150 with a sign on the door which read AG LANDSCAPING. She also noticed that it was clean. Spotless.

AG? she said.

Alfredo Garcia, that’s my full name, he said smiling.

And where is your family? Are you from around here? she said.

It seemed to her like he braced at her questions just for a second but maintained his composure. Maybe he was used to a lot of questions and this was what he did. Any way it went, he looked like he was a master at conversation.

Oh, my family is a little scattered. Yes, I grew up in Kansas City, on the Kansas side. I went to school at KU, but I moved here about five years ago. I love McPherson because it is a nice place to raise a family, he said.

That seemed a little odd for him to say. Did this guy have a family? Why was he here if he did or maybe he was looking for something?

I agree. I grew up here and couldn’t picture living anyplace else ... never lived anywhere else. She had to throw it in now while she could. Are you married? It was absolutely necessary to get that little bit of information out of the way.

No. I am free, as they say. He changed the subject back to her as quickly as he could. So, you grew up here and never moved anywhere else? Wow, so unusual to stay in one place all your life. People usually get married and move away, he said.

"Yes, yes they do," she agreed.

But you are not married now?

She shook her head no.

I am surprised. Then he paused. Where is Lina’s father? ...if you don’t mind me asking. He added.

No, it’s ok. He passed away when Lina was just a baby. He was military, she said. She couldn’t believe that he remembered Lina’s name. Most guys forget in less than a minute.

Oh, I see. I am so sorry, he said.

They talked for another thirty minutes. She felt at ease with him, and they spoke like they had known each other for years. She loved how he offered up a gentle laugh. It was so very easy and natural, and he didn’t try to act tough or hard, or to impress her in any way.

Mr. Alfredo, do you have people working for you? she said.

Oh, yes, he said, if you could call it that. I usually hire boys from the college over there, but they come and go. It seems, at that age, they’re pretty unreliable. I mean, they usually they don’t even know where they’ll be sleeping because they are usually college fraternity boys and that type. He leaned back and seemed a little annoyed when he thought about the subject. I try to give them a job if they want to work, you know, to give back to the community and all, he said.

Liza caught herself staring. She was fiercely attracted to him, which made her analyze the whole situation. He was different. Maybe it was his accent or his quiet demeanor, but something about him made her rage quietly inside. Something about him made her feel like an animal. And there was only one way to quench that overwhelming desire that she felt at that very minute. She could picture his strong hands all over her. Controlling her. Taking her.

Miss Liza? he said.

She snapped to and said, I’m sorry. I was thinking about my daughter. I forgot to pack something for her, Liza said. She caught herself and put her guard back up.

He chuckled and then he gazed at her. Liza saw how he stared at her hair.

She wondered if he was thinking what she was thinking. Maybe he wanted to just reach over and wrap her hair around his hands and pull her close. Possibly he wanted to control her like she wanted to be controlled. She caught him staring at her full red lips and how they were perfectly formed.

He tried not to stare but then noticed that she sat silent. She was watching him watch her.

For just a second, they sat there saying nothing. They locked eyes and neither looked away. She could feel him wanting to rip at her and unwrap her. It was there. Unspoken. Unrequited. She knew what that look meant. They both wanted to tear at each other and that made her feel totally desired.

Miss Liza, I would love to meet Lina, Alfredo said.

She relaxed. What a perfect thing to say.

Really? Well, why don’t you just come for dinner a day next week and we’ll make that happen? I’d love to hear about your childhood, she said. She then looked away because she felt embarrassed that she let him know what lay deep inside. That was not a lady-like thing to do.

They talked a few minutes more. Then, Liza reached over and took his phone. He watched her put her number in and call herself.

There, do you like pot roast? she said.

I love pot roast, he said. He reached over and held her hand for just a second, and then he let go.

She knew they were in for quite a ride.

AS ALFREDO AND LIZA chatted at the donut shop, the local Sheriff was on the job early a couple of miles west of town.

Yeah, dispatch, we found him. We’re just west of Highway 81 on the north side of Bull Creek. The creek has gone down quite a bit since yesterday and someone spotted him this morning, Sheriff Dillon said.

In the background, a wrecker was pulling a car out of the creek. A deputy walked up and stood next to the Sheriff. Looks like he slid on the wet pavement and hit the guardrail, the deputy said.

Well, I’ll go tell the family. I know his wife. I went to school with her. Good family, the Sheriff said. Sheriff Dillon got into his patrol car and sat for a minute. This was the part that he hated, but it had to be done.

Chapter 2

Miss Liza, I have to go in just a minute, Alfredo said.

Mr. Fredo, will you teach me another word please? Lina said as she stood in front of Alfredo pulling at his pant leg.

"Well, of course, little Miss Pretty. I’m going to go now, so I will tell you good bye in Spanish," he said.

Yippee! she screeched jumping up and down.

"Ok, repeat after me, ‘adios,’" he said.

"A-do-see," she said and then frowned at her mistake.

"Ok, Miss Lina. Say it very slowly, A-DEE-OS," he said.

She repeated, "A-DEE-OS."

Yes, he exclaimed, give me a high five!" and he threw his hand up.

Lina was delighted that she got it right and gave him a high five. She slapped his hand hard. She had that unique excitement of a five-year-old just learning something new that opened up an entirely new world.

Liza was happy to see that this new guy was so loveable toward her little girl. Ok, we need to let Mr. Fredo go now. Like you, he needs to get his rest because he has to go to work tomorrow, and you have to go to school. After all, one more week and you’ll be done. Liza said as she grabbed at Lina’s ribs.

Ok, Mommy. Bye, Mr. Fredo, Lina said.

Come here, little precious, and give me a hug good night, ok? he said. He bent down and held his arms out.

She smiled big and ran into his arms and gave him a tight hug.

"Ok, now, I will see you soon, Ok? What do you say when I am leaving? A-DEE..." he prompted.

Adios! she screamed out.

He went to the door and turned back. Liza was right behind him.

Thank you for having me for dinner, he said.

She put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed his muscle, trying not to be overt.

His hand reached over and held hers ever so gently and their fingers stopped and intertwined for a second before she pulled away.

Goodbye, I will call you, he said.

He got into his truck and went around the corner and stopped. He got out and pulled off the magnetic sign that read AG LANDSCAPING and put it in his toolbox. He rummaged around looking for something and then pulled out a box the size of a computer. He opened it up. He picked up a scope and a barrel of a rifle that had been taken apart and put into the case.  He reached down further into the toolbox and found a flashlight. He put the light into the cab of his pick up and then returned to the back where his toolbox was still open. He dug to the very bottom past a drill and some other tools. Then he felt a handle and pulled out another small box. He opened it to find a silencer. He took it out and stuck it inside his jacket pocket. He did a double check on everything, returned it all, and then locked up. He had a long drive ahead of him.

JUST WEST OF TOPEKA at a farm near Willard, two semi-trucks hummed as several hundred people were herded into lines. Men with pistols hanging at their sides shouted at them. They waved their arms toward the trucks, and sporadically reached over and hit the lingerers.

Alfredo, or Chappy as he was known here, sat in his truck and watched. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, and then observed. At the entrance, four armed men stood guard.

From the dirt road in front of the farmhouse, only the trucks were visible but it all appeared as if it were just another business day.

A younger man of around 30 walked up to Fredo’s truck. Fredo rolled down the window and stared at him.

Chappy, there is real problem, the young man said.

I don’t wanna hear about any problems, Joselito, Fredo said.

Chappy, a girl gone missing. We look everywhere, he said.

Check the river, said Fredo.

The farmhouse was just a half mile from the Kansas river. The young man turned and yelled and about ten men immediately fanned out. The rest of the people were loaded into the refrigerated trucks within minutes and the doors were locked behind them.

The gravel lot in front of the farm that was filled with people ten minutes earlier now lay empty. Fredo lit up a joint and waited. The minutes ticked by. Alfredo’s cell rang and broke the silence.

Yeah Fredo said.

She dead. Maybe freeze to death, the same young man said on the phone.

Bury her, Fredo said.

Wait, Chappy, there is boy with her. He’s alive now. What to do with him? Joselito said.

Fredo sat for a minute and inhaled his joint deeply. He figured things. Couldn’t leave the girl’s body. This wasn’t the desert, and people lived in these parts. That was easy enough. But the boy. What about the boy?

There was nothing to do with the boy. If he left the boy, he would die for sure. If he sent the boy, he would probably die. Instinct told him to send him through. But any other person would bury him next to his mother. Sending him through unattended was always a big problem.

He searched for any possibility. No market for a five-year old kid...except for one and he wasn’t about to do that. He was a little boy, for god-sakes. And if he sent him on the truck, he’d die. Sooner or later, his little body would end up in a thicket or a corn field somewhere. That was a matter of fact. He thought long and hard.

Bring him to me, he said.

The man turned and yelled, and, immediately, another man went for the boy. Ten minutes later, Jose brought the boy. The scared little orphan boy stood there silently and looked at Fredo. Fredo got out of his truck and knelt down next to the boy and smiled. Then he spoke in Spanish.

Hello, little man. You must come with me and everything will be ok,

Mama, the boy answered.

Mama will come later. She told me to take you to another house where you can wait on her. Are you hungry? Fredo said.

The boy shook his head yes and Fredo bent down and picked him up with love and care. He gently placed the boy in the second seat in the back cab and laid him down. Then he pulled up a cover, placed it over the boy, and then got in. The days were nice in this Kansas plane but the nights were cold and dropped below freezing. The boy rolled over and closed his eyes. His troubles were gone for the time being, but Fredo’s had just started.

Chappy, what you gonna do? the man said.

He was Jose, Fredo’s loyal lieutenant. They had been together fifteen years and he would do anything required-good or bad-without hesitation. This was the bond between the two.

Fredo was silent. He took out a smoke and lit it up.

I mean, Chappy, whatever you wanna do is ok with me. What you need? I will do. But this thing. They come looking maybe, Jose said. You know who is this boy?

Then Jose looked around. The other one who had brought the boy from the river had already gone back to the trucks and they were waiting for orders to go. Everyone was waiting on Fredo. He was king out here.

Send them out, Fredo said.

Jose disappeared, yelling as he walked. The big trucks rolled out the farm entrance and down the gravel road. Fredo sat there in the dark with a five-year-old little kid in the back seat of his cab, wondering what to do next.

Hutchinson. Yeah, Maria. Hutchinson was three hours away and only a half hour