his kitchen table and lit up another cigarette, his third in the last half hour. His stomach was filled with acid from all the coffee he had consumed. He looked in the refrigerator. There wasn’t much to look at. A half loaf of white bread, a jar of peanut butter, vegetables that should have been thrown out days ago, condiments, and four cans of Bud Lite beer.
He opened the can and looked at the wall clock. It was six thirty. He picked up the phone.
“Hi, it’s me.”
Close to an hour and a half later he hung up. All four empty beer cans sat on the table. Wally was not quite sure what he had just agreed to.
I really have nothing to lose. My life’s in the crapper already.
After four beers, three more than he was used to, Wally wasn’t hungry. At least not for food. It was about time he took charge of his life again. He would meet with the Chief Justice just as soon as he could.
They sure as hell won’t have ol’ Wally Kolkolski to kick around anymore.
CHAPTER 20
PART TWO
BEWARE–COUGAR ON THE LOOSE
Bill Johnson picked up the phone on the first ring. He was sure he knew who was on the other end.
“Yes.”
“You called me.”
“I think I may be on to something.”
“I’m listening.”
“Our mutual friend was in Miami last month for three weeks. I have verified his ex-wife lives there. Apparently she is now unemployed and spends her days drinking and feeling sorry for herself. More importantly, their son was killed in jail almost a dozen years ago. That’s all I know right now. I’ll have more for you in a few days.”
Before Bill could continue, the line went dead. He was not sure if the call was dropped by accident or on purpose. In any case, the message had been delivered.
It would take less than twenty-four hours until he had all the facts on the case of People of the State of Florida vs. Theodore Kolkolski.
There was no question in his mind, there was a connection between Judge Kolkolski’s behavior and why his son had been in prison. All he had to do was find out what it was.
The caller on the other end of the line was already ahead of him. Johnson may have been an IBMer but he was not a highly skilled hacker. Within hours Mr. C would know all the facts.
***
Anthony knew he had to find a job. He was no longer living at home with Mama, he was not eating for free, and he knew he would need a set of wheels rather soon. He took the classifieds of the Herald and took a slow walk to Buzzy’s, the bar on Collins and 17 th . He knew by one thirty it would be quiet. He would grab a microwaved burger and a beer and go through the help wanted section.
To no one’s surprise, Miss Big Bust was sitting in the same seat at the end of the bar. She was nursing her beer like yesterday. Only today she seemed to be in deep thought, like she was deciding what to do.
Anthony nodded and headed for one of the many empty tables. He ordered, spread the paper on the table, and took out a pen and his cell phone.
Time to get to work.
After forty-five minutes and five phone calls, he still had no viable prospects. He ordered another beer. Ms. Big Bust brought it to the table.
“Looks like you could use a friend. Someone to talk to. The brew’s on me.
Anthony was about to say he was busy and didn’t want company when he realized that was exactly what he needed. Someone to talk to. The fact she was a generation or two older was no longer an issue. She was now a caring, understanding human being. The fact she was a reasonably attractive older woman that appeared interested in him was a welcome bonus.
“My name’s Bernice.”
Anthony hesitated a moment. He reached out to shake her hand. “Hi, I’m Antonio.”
The handshake lasted a few seconds longer than necessary. Neither appeared to want it to end.
“Have a seat. I’m new to Miami. Need to find a job.”
“Maybe I can help you. I’ve lived here for more than twelve years.”
Anthony gave
He opened the can and looked at the wall clock. It was six thirty. He picked up the phone.
“Hi, it’s me.”
Close to an hour and a half later he hung up. All four empty beer cans sat on the table. Wally was not quite sure what he had just agreed to.
I really have nothing to lose. My life’s in the crapper already.
After four beers, three more than he was used to, Wally wasn’t hungry. At least not for food. It was about time he took charge of his life again. He would meet with the Chief Justice just as soon as he could.
They sure as hell won’t have ol’ Wally Kolkolski to kick around anymore.
CHAPTER 20
PART TWO
BEWARE–COUGAR ON THE LOOSE
Bill Johnson picked up the phone on the first ring. He was sure he knew who was on the other end.
“Yes.”
“You called me.”
“I think I may be on to something.”
“I’m listening.”
“Our mutual friend was in Miami last month for three weeks. I have verified his ex-wife lives there. Apparently she is now unemployed and spends her days drinking and feeling sorry for herself. More importantly, their son was killed in jail almost a dozen years ago. That’s all I know right now. I’ll have more for you in a few days.”
Before Bill could continue, the line went dead. He was not sure if the call was dropped by accident or on purpose. In any case, the message had been delivered.
It would take less than twenty-four hours until he had all the facts on the case of People of the State of Florida vs. Theodore Kolkolski.
There was no question in his mind, there was a connection between Judge Kolkolski’s behavior and why his son had been in prison. All he had to do was find out what it was.
The caller on the other end of the line was already ahead of him. Johnson may have been an IBMer but he was not a highly skilled hacker. Within hours Mr. C would know all the facts.
***
Anthony knew he had to find a job. He was no longer living at home with Mama, he was not eating for free, and he knew he would need a set of wheels rather soon. He took the classifieds of the Herald and took a slow walk to Buzzy’s, the bar on Collins and 17 th . He knew by one thirty it would be quiet. He would grab a microwaved burger and a beer and go through the help wanted section.
To no one’s surprise, Miss Big Bust was sitting in the same seat at the end of the bar. She was nursing her beer like yesterday. Only today she seemed to be in deep thought, like she was deciding what to do.
Anthony nodded and headed for one of the many empty tables. He ordered, spread the paper on the table, and took out a pen and his cell phone.
Time to get to work.
After forty-five minutes and five phone calls, he still had no viable prospects. He ordered another beer. Ms. Big Bust brought it to the table.
“Looks like you could use a friend. Someone to talk to. The brew’s on me.
Anthony was about to say he was busy and didn’t want company when he realized that was exactly what he needed. Someone to talk to. The fact she was a generation or two older was no longer an issue. She was now a caring, understanding human being. The fact she was a reasonably attractive older woman that appeared interested in him was a welcome bonus.
“My name’s Bernice.”
Anthony hesitated a moment. He reached out to shake her hand. “Hi, I’m Antonio.”
The handshake lasted a few seconds longer than necessary. Neither appeared to want it to end.
“Have a seat. I’m new to Miami. Need to find a job.”
“Maybe I can help you. I’ve lived here for more than twelve years.”
Anthony gave
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