''No One Else to Blame''

By Cloud Kurtin

Imagine not trusting anyone around you! Imagine being so aloof that people did not even bother trying to get to know you! That is what Nick Walters did.
He was tough, mean and sarcastic. He had people right where he wanted them-away from him.
But Nick Walters learned a hard-and almost deadly-lesson. Its a lesson that he did not see coming. When he tried to find out what happened to him, he found that There Is No One Else to Blame.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 8, 2008
• ISBN: 9781465322180

Cloud Kurtin

I have always had a vivid imagination. I would watch a movie or read a book and ask myself, “What if…” I would rewrite the story in my head and ponder the various endings that each story had to offer. I enjoy observing people. When a person does something, I like to consider what kind of person acts that way and why. I would intermingle people watching with my imagination and would immediately think, “What could I DO with what I just imaged?” “What did I LEARN from what I just observed?” the answer was always the same-LIFE! Then I would ask myself, “What can I do with this thing called life?” The answer was simple-write a novel. I really hope you enjoy reading my imaginings!

Book preview

Ch.1:

Lisa, will you come on? We’re late!, she pleaded as she at the time on her watch-again!

Hold on, Betty. I’m almost ready.

You said that 10 minutes ago. If you’re not pretty by now, just give up.

Betty sighed and rolled her eyes as Lisa took one more look into the mirror.

Betty knew that Lisa Summers didn’t need any help to look good. Lisa stood 5'6", with long blond hair, soft green eyes and a dynamite figure. She was in fantastic shape and absolutely gorgeous.

Betty was almost as good looking as Lisa. She was the same height. She had a great figure of her own, hazel eyes and shoulder length brown hair. But they weren’t going somewhere to be admired for their looks.

Lisa, let’s go already

Okay, okay.

They dashed out of Lisa’s apartment, ran into the parking lot, jumped into Lisa’s black Chevy Blazer and sped off.

On the way to the awards banquet, their conversation was brief.

"I swear, Lisa. Sometimes being friends with you is like watching over my grandmother. Only she can put her lipstick on straight the first time."

I know but you’re my best friend, so you’ve gotta love me, right?

Yeah, yeah. Just drive.

They arrived at the convention center in downtown Sacramento with very little time to spare. After Lisa gave the valet her keys, they went inside and found their seats. That part was easy since they were the honorees.

They sat down at their place up front and flashed quick, polite smiles to those around them.

See, silly girl. I told you we had plenty of time., Lisa reassured Betty. Betty didn’t even time for one of her smart comments.

They looked over to see their supervisor, Lt. Baker, give them a hard look. Then, he turned and smiled sheepishly at Commissioner Harris. Harris quickly glanced at all three of them and shook his head.

As Harris made his way to the podium, it gave baker a chance to vent his frustrations to his two detectives.

I’m glad you two aren’t ambulance drivers!, he snapped, then slowly looked toward the Commissioner.

"Whoa, Lisa! Did Mr. Nice Guy just snap at us?, Betty asked through a giggle.

Yes, he did., trying to keep a straight face. That’s like him. I guessed he’s kind of pissed, huh?

A few seconds later, Harris started his introduction.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a night that gives me great pleasure…

When they arrived at the reception and found their table, Lisa and Betty admired the award.

Wow! Detective of the Year. That’s some honor, Betty.

Her partner had a quick reminder.

Excuse me but I think you can read. That’s C0-Detective of the Year. We’re a team, remember?

Lisa smiled one of her brightest smiles and batter her eyes.

Yes, Betty. I remember. But you know, we’re not just a team. We are the best team.

Betty leaned a little closer to Lisa and, in a soft, serious tone asked,

You know what we need, don’t you?

They hollered the answer at the same time,

Paaarteee!

Soon they greeted by a young lady.

"Good evening, Detectives. Congratulations.

I’m Toni, one of the hostesses for tonight. Your reception includes a steak dinner, dancing and for you ladies only, free drinks."

Thank you., the Detectives said.

As the band leader stepped to the microphone, they peered out to the head of the room to listen.

Folks, that number we just played is one we wrote called Night Life. As you noticed, we play a variety of music. So if you have a request, just let one of us know what it is and we’ll try to play for you. That goes double for the honorees."

When the band started playing again, Lisa and Betty strolled around the room.

Partner, would you look at this place?

This is absolutely gorgeous!

The tables were adorned with soft green tablecloths. Each table displayed mixed nuts plus green and white mints, all in beautiful silver bowls.

Look, Betty>, Lisa smile a she pointed upward.

Large, soft white paper balls hung from the ceiling and were strung from one end of the room to the other.

As they glanced around the room, they talked about how many people had come to the banquet, especially from their department.

Most of the people came by to extend their congratulations. Even the Mayor and his wife made a visit.

Congratulations, Detectives., the Mayor said through a smile. I hope you two have a great evening.

You ladies look lovely., his wife added.

The Detectives were very popular that night. In fact, every time the music started, a different group of guys quickly came around to ask each of them to dance.

During one number, Betty happened to see Lisa on the dance floor and caught her attention.

She tried to talk to her but the music was too loud. So she touched her ear, shook her head and pointed to the table.

Lisa nodded and kept on dancing.

When the music stopped, she walked back to their table took her seat next to her partner.

I tell you, Betty, I think it’s wonderful that they did all of this for us.

Hey, we deserve some recognition for what we’ve done. But you’re right. This is great., her partner replied.

As Betty took a look around the room, her eyes focused on the Commissioner and his wife.

Harris looked upset and was talking to Baker.

Baker spread his hands for a few seconds then touched his chest.

Harris said something to his wife. She smiled at the two men and walked away.

Harris and Baker continued talking as they walked to Lisa and Betty’s table. Betty only caught the last part of their conversation.

Have they even met him yet?, Harris asked Baker.

Not exactly but I’ll take care of things.

Damn it, Baker, see that you do and it better be real soon!

Harris walked away and Baker stepped over to gently touch Betty’s shoulder.

You guys having a good time?, he asked through a forced but friendly grin.

Lisa smiled at him and held up her glass.

Oh, yes, sir. This reception is absolutely lovely.

Well, you two deserve all of this.

He smiled, ran a finger in his collar and walked off.

Hey partner, what’s with the lieutenant tonight?, Lisa asked. First, he snaps at us, next, he’s being super friendly.

Poor, Baker. His mommy won’t ever let him have any fun., Betty said.

I’m serious. Don’t tell me Harris is giving him a rough time again. What is it this time?

Betty took a sip of her drink.

I dunno. Harris always has a bug up his butt. I did hear him say something just now about someone you and I are suppose to meet.

What makes you think they were talking about us? Harris could’ve been referring to anybody.

Betty grabbed Lisa’s chin to make her look across the room.

That!

Both of them watched Harris talking to Baker. When Harris walked away, Baker tilted his head back, and gave a quick glance toward the ceiling. Then, he adjusted his tie and walked back to their table.

The two women had just enough time to exchange curious glances with each other before the lieutenant sat down.

Lisa studied his eyes for a moment.

What’s up, Lieutenant? Is there a problem or did you just come to visit?

Baker pulled at his collar again and let out a deep breath.

"Well, ladies. You see, it’s like this. I just…

Wait. Stop., Lisa started as she stood up. This is how you start off every time something’s wrong and, if that’s the case, we’re going to need another drink."

Baker patted the air with his palm. Keep your seat. I’ll order them. I need one, too.

Betty peered into his eyes.

Okay… . Lieutenant. Now we know something’s wrong. You don’t drink, remember? You get tipsy from Ginger Ale.

I know but after I tell you what’s going down, I may have to start.

Ch. 2:

Sir, in all due respect, what the hell are you talking about, Betty asked.

Baker stared at them for a few seconds before responding.

"Well, as you’ve probably noticed, the Commish and myself have been having… a… conversation.

It was about a situation that developed within the Bureau and for a while, they were considering asking for our help. We didn’t hear anything from them for a few days, so, Harris and I thought that it had been resolved. It wasn’t.

Now, since it looks like you two are involved…

Wait, wait, wait., Long interrupted. What do you mean, since it looks like we’re involved? Involved in what?

"That’s what I’m trying to explain. Harris wants me to brief you on the situation. He’s upset because I haven’t mentioned it to you before. Like I said, we thought it had been resolved.

Anyway, he has set up a meeting with all of us tomorrow at 10:00 in my office."

Lieutenant, do you think you could be any less clear?

Baker