| General Fiction posted September 29, 2024 | Chapters: |
...29 30 -31- 32... 
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Patti trys to play a trump card
A chapter in the book Spirited Justice
Spirited Justice Chap 31
by Begin Again
| Background "Beauty, Brawn, or Brains" was a global platform showcasing women's diverse talents, yet murders, accidents, and deceit haunted the pageant worldwide. Was there a common link or merely coincidence? |
Patti's chauffeur drove the limo to the back of the museum, maneuvering it between several trucks that were unloading. "It's tight back here, ma'am. I'll drop you off, and then when you are ready to leave, you can call, and I'll come back."
Patty didn't answer. Instead, she stared out the window, her eyes focused on the spot she'd argued with Arthur. She wondered if that was the place where he had been murdered. A chill ran down her spine. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she answered, "No, Theo, I would prefer you to wait. I shouldn't be long."
Theo knew his vehicle would block deliveries but also knew arguing with Patti would be a big mistake. He valued his job, and she'd fired people for much less. "Yes, ma'am, as you wish."
Patti adjusted her sunglasses as she stepped out of the limo, leaving Theo to deal with the chaos she'd caused by having him park in a marked loading zone. Delivery trucks were already honking, their drivers glaring at the sleek black limousine blocking their path. She ignored the commotion as if it didn't exist, lifting her chin in that superior way she'd perfected over the years.
With deliberate, graceful steps, she walked as if on a runway, her heels clicking loudly in the museum's back corridor. The pageant contestants on the stage eyed her curiously as she passed. Patti's mouth curled into a smirk as she saw one girl adjusting her hair. "Sweetheart, you might want to get those split ends taken care of. If you're trying to win any contest, presentation is key."
The girl flushed, her hand flying to her hair in embarrassment as her friends looked away, stifling their laughter. Patti barely acknowledged the reaction and turned toward another contestant, eyeing her dress with thinly veiled disdain.
"That dress," she mused aloud, not bothering to lower her voice. "So last season. I hope that's not your competition gown. It wouldn't do you any favors."
Without waiting for a response, Patti flicked her hair over her shoulder and continued walking. The girls exchanged glances, their hushed voices following her down the hallway.
"That's Arthur Beckett's ex-wife," one of them whispered. "Can you believe it? He was the worst. She's no better."
"I heard he was a crook."
"He was more than that." The girl lowered her voice and checked to see who else might hear. "I heard he was getting a little something on the side from a few of the girls." They all gasped in shock, though a few were already aware of Arthur Beckett's tricks.
"And she just strolls in here like she owns the place."
Their chatter trailed off as Patti reached the glass door. Her hand lingered on the handle for a moment. A cold shiver crawled up her spine, but she pushed it aside, narrowing her focus back to her goal, and walked into the Museum Gallery.
She hurried past the stacked chairs and scattered costumes, her heels clicking rhythmically against the floor.
A small group of contestants were leaving the area, chatting among themselves, but she didn't bother to acknowledge them beyond what she needed. "I'm looking for Hilda," she said bluntly, not even glancing in their direction.
One girl, surprised, blinked and pointed down the hallway. "Try the storage area. It's labeled 'Dressing Room' on the door. Just around the corner to your left."
Patti didn't bother with a "thank you." She simply turned on her heel and strode away, leaving the girls to whisper in her wake.
"She didn't even say thanks," one of them muttered.
"Just like Arthur. No manners."
*****
Patti approached the door marked "Dressing Room." Her heart thudded in her chest, but she composed herself before raising her hand to knock. As she did, she could faintly hear murmured voices inside and then a dog's low, protective growl.
After a moment of silence, the door cracked open just enough to reveal a sliver of Hilda's suspicious face. Her sharp eyes narrowed when she saw the woman standing before her. Max stood by her side, a silent but watchful sentinel.
"Can I help you?" Hilda asked, her voice guarded.
Patti smiled broadly as if greeting an old friend. She had perfected the art of charm and poured it on thick. "Oh, Hilda! I've heard so much about you." She tilted her head, softening her tone. "I'm Patti Beckett, Arthur's ex-wife. I wanted to speak with you because — well, I felt it was time to apologize for Arthur's behavior. I know he hasn't always treated people the best — especially you."
Hilda's face remained expressionless, the door still only half-open. Behind her, Patti could see Sophia's faint outline on the sofa.
"Arthur Beckett?" Hilda repeated, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. "And what makes you think we'd want to hear from you about him? Have you any idea what kind of man your husband was?"
"I know! I don't blame you for feeling that way," Patti said quickly, her voice lowering. "But I'm not here to dredge up bad memories. I want to make things right, to extend an olive branch. We all make mistakes, and I'm trying to fix them. Can we —" She placed a delicate hand on the door, pushing it gently as if she were already invited in. "Can we talk over lunch? I just want a chance to make things right."
Hilda hesitated, glancing over her shoulder at Sophia. As if sensing the unease, Max let out a small bark, his tail stiff.
Sophia frowned. "Hilda?"
Hilda leaned closer to Sophia, whispering, "It's Arthur's ex-wife. She says she wants to apologize."
Sophia's sightless eyes seemed to harden, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I'm staying here. Have you forgotten about Johan?"
"Of course not, but it's Beckett's wife, not a total stranger."
"You can go if you want, but don't say I didn't warn you."
Overhearing the exchange, Patti clasped her hands in front of her chest, her eyes wide with what appeared to be remorse. "I understand if you're cautious. I would be, too. But I promise, I'm only here to make amends." Her gaze flicked to Max, who watched her with unwavering suspicion.
After a tense moment, Hilda let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine. Lunch, but only because I'm hungry." She shot a warning glance at Patti. "But this doesn't mean we're friends."
"Of course, of course," Patti agreed eagerly, stepping back from the door as Hilda grabbed her coat. "I completely understand. I'm just grateful for the chance."
Hilda stepped into the hallway, but Sophia remained seated, her hand resting on Max's head. "I'll stay behind," Sophia said calmly, her tone cool. "Max and I have no interest in Arthur or her apologies."
Patti smiled tightly, relieved. "I understand. Maybe another time."
*****
Over lunch, Patti bombarded Hilda with questions about her research, fishing for details under the guise of curiosity.
"So, what's this project you're working on?" she asked between bites. "Something groundbreaking, I'm sure."
Hilda, feeling flustered by the directness of Patti's questioning, accidentally let it slip. "It's about eliminating cancer."
Patti's eyes lit up. "Really? That's incredible. Can you tell me more?"
Realizing she had said too much, Hilda immediately clammed up. "No, I can't. I've already said more than I should."
Patti looked around like a co-conspirator and then, in a hushed voice, said, "I hope you have those papers in a safe place. A discovery like that could be worth a lot of money."
"I don't know about that, but —"
Patti reached across the table and squeezed Hilda's hand. "Listen, you're young, and all this is overwhelming being in the pageant, a foreign country, an —" She lowered her eyes as if ashamed. "And dealing with Arthur. I'm so ashamed and would do anything to make it up to you."
"I'd rather put —" Hilda appeared nervous as she picked at her salad, pushing the lettuce around the plate.
"Listen, honey. I've got an idea. I have a safe deposit box. It's empty right now. You could put your papers in there. I'll even let you keep the key."
"That might — I just don't know after Johan tried to get my research."
Patti's eyes lit up. "Johan? Do you mean another man was after the papers, too? Honey, you need to listen to me. I can help."
"I appreciate your help, Mrs. Beckett."
"Patti — call me Patti. We're friends, remember?"
Hilda nodded but didn't answer.
Patti pushed a little more. "Maybe you don't want to be my friend. I'm sorry. I should have understood. Please forgive me." She patted her lips with the napkin and turned her eyes away from Hilda.
Her ploy worked!
"Oh, don't be upset. Of course, I want us to be friends." Hilda set her fork on the table and leaned toward Patti. "If you want me to use your safe deposit box, I promise to think about it. The papers would be safer in a bank."
Patti's eyes brightened. "Oh, Hilda, you've made me so happy."
Needing to calm her nerves, Hilda excused herself to use the restroom. Patti stared at her half-eaten salad, barely registering the taste of her last bite. Her hands trembled slightly beneath the table. She had to get those papers. The man with the thick German accent had made it clear —either she delivered or met the same fate as Arthur.
Silently, she cursed Arthur. "You're dead, and you still haunt me. What were you involved in, Arthur? Whatever it was, they won't stop until they get it, and thanks to you, I'm their pawn."
Her gaze drifted to the door where Hilda had just disappeared. She didn't want to betray the young woman, but what choice did she have? She wondered if they were watching her.
Patti swallowed hard, guilt gnawing at her. "I'm doing this to survive," she whispered to herself. But deep down, she knew this wasn't survival anymore — it was betrayal.
She rechecked her phone under the table, her heart sinking at the text from an unknown number. "Get the papers — or else."
When Hilda returned, she noticed Patti's face had changed — it was pale. "Patti, are you alright?" she asked.
Patti forced a laugh, waving off her concern. "Oh, yes, just a little distracted. But tell me more about your research," she said, her voice deceptively sweet.
Hilda picked at her salad, her eyes darting between Patti and the tables surrounding them. "I've been thinking. I'm not sure about putting the papers in your box. It feels — odd."
Patti leaned forward, softening her voice. "I know how it sounds, sweetheart, but trust me, I want to help you. Arthur was terrible to both of us, and I don't want you to suffer anymore. This project of yours — it's life-changing, isn't it?"
Hilda hesitated. "I — I guess so."
"Then it deserves to be protected," Patti said, her hand sliding across the table to rest on Hilda's. "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to your work because I didn't step in."
Hilda looked at Patti, her resolve softening. "Maybe you're right."
Patti felt a twinge of guilt but pushed it down. "We're in this together, Hilda."
"Right! I suppose I could get the papers this afternoon and take them to the bank. Would that work for you?"
Patti tried to appear calm when she really wanted to jump up and down and scream Hallelujah. She murmured, "The sooner we get those papers in safekeeping, the better, sweetie."
*****
A short while later, as they were about to leave the restaurant, Patti saw a familiar face by the bar — a burly man in a dark coat casually sipping coffee. Her blood ran cold. She'd labeled him the enforcer.
His eyes met hers briefly, and then he raised his cup in a mocking salute. Patti's breath hitched.
"Patti, are you alright?" Hilda asked. "You don't have any color in your cheeks."
"I'm fine," Patti stammered, forcing a smile. "Just — the weather, I think. Let's get going." She clenched her fists, trying to suppress the panic in her chest. Arthur had thought he could outsmart them, play both sides, and walk away clean. But they'd found him in that alley, hadn't they? They'd made an example of him. Was that the message the enforcer was sending her, too?
She wasn't going to end up the same way. No, she just had to play her part a little longer. Get the papers from Hilda. Let them think she was going to hand them over. She wasn't a fool like Arthur. Once she had the papers, she'd have bargaining power. And then maybe, just maybe, they'd let her walk away.
*****
Having watched the whole encounter, Danni wasted no time. She materialized in Donatelli's office, shouting, "Come on. We've got to go!"
"Slow down. You're going to wake the dead."
"Well, someone will die if you don't get out of that chair. Patti Beckett is having lunch with Hilda as we speak, and she's digging for information."
Donatelli frowned, leaning forward in his chair. "What did you see?"
"She's asking a lot of questions about Hilda's research. I followed her to the museum and then to lunch with Hilda. She's convinced Hilda to put her research papers into Patti's safe deposit box."
Donatelli didn't need any more convincing. "I'll set up surveillance outside the restaurant. If Patti plays a dangerous game, I want to know who she works for."
"That woman works for no one but herself." Danni sneered.
"We'll see." Donatelli grabbed his sunglasses and headed for the door.
*****
After leaving the restaurant, Patti hurried to the park, nervously glancing over her shoulder. She spotted the enforcer and two other men waiting for her near a bench. She approached them.
"Where's the papers?" The man's voice was icy as he grabbed her arm. She flinched, trying to pull away.
"She's going to give them to me tomorrow. She didn't have them with her."
One of the men looked at her with a cold, menacing glare. "We need those files now. You'll get them if you know what's good for you."
"I can't do that," Patti protested, her voice shaky. "I've already risked enough."
The man didn't care for her excuses. He grabbed her roughly, his hands tightening around her arms. "You'll do what we say or pay the price."
Patti started to panic. "Let me go! I did what you asked."
"Not good enough," the man growled. He tightened his grip, causing her to yelp.
"Please, just give me more time!" Patti pleaded, her heart pounding. But the man didn't relent, shoving her toward the car.
"You've run out of time."
Patti's eyes flared with fear, and she screamed — the loudest, blood-curdling howl she could manage. She wasn't going down easy. She kicked his legs and started yelling louder, "Help me! Help me!" Her calls for help started drawing other people's attention in the park.
Realizing she was creating a scene, the man in the suit yelled, "Forget her! We gotta get out of here."
The enforcer snarled but did as he was told and released her. The three men scrambled into the car and raced away, leaving her rattled but relieved.
Shaking uncontrollably, Patti turned and ran — directly into another man. He steadied her with a firm grip, his expression unreadable. "We need to talk," he said coolly.
Patti pulled away, muttering, "Detective Donatelli."
Out of sight, Danni radioed the surrounding cruisers with a description and a partial license plate. It wasn't what she'd hoped for, but it was better than nothing.
When Hilda returned, she noticed Patti's face had changed — it was pale. "Patti, are you alright?" she asked.
Patti forced a laugh, waving off her concern. "Oh, yes, just a little distracted. But tell me more about your research," she said, her voice deceptively sweet.
Hilda picked at her salad, her eyes darting between Patti and the tables surrounding them. "I've been thinking. I'm not sure about putting the papers in your box. It feels — odd."
Patti leaned forward, softening her voice. "I know how it sounds, sweetheart, but trust me, I want to help you. Arthur was terrible to both of us, and I don't want you to suffer anymore. This project of yours — it's life-changing, isn't it?"
Hilda hesitated. "I — I guess so."
"Then it deserves to be protected," Patti said, her hand sliding across the table to rest on Hilda's. "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to your work because I didn't step in."
Hilda looked at Patti, her resolve softening. "Maybe you're right."
Patti felt a twinge of guilt but pushed it down. "We're in this together, Hilda."
"Right! I suppose I could get the papers this afternoon and take them to the bank. Would that work for you?"
Patti tried to appear calm when she really wanted to jump up and down and scream Hallelujah. She murmured, "The sooner we get those papers in safekeeping, the better, sweetie."
*****
A short while later, as they were about to leave the restaurant, Patti saw a familiar face by the bar — a burly man in a dark coat casually sipping coffee. Her blood ran cold. She'd labeled him the enforcer.
His eyes met hers briefly, and then he raised his cup in a mocking salute. Patti's breath hitched.
"Patti, are you alright?" Hilda asked. "You don't have any color in your cheeks."
"I'm fine," Patti stammered, forcing a smile. "Just — the weather, I think. Let's get going." She clenched her fists, trying to suppress the panic in her chest. Arthur had thought he could outsmart them, play both sides, and walk away clean. But they'd found him in that alley, hadn't they? They'd made an example of him. Was that the message the enforcer was sending her, too?
She wasn't going to end up the same way. No, she just had to play her part a little longer. Get the papers from Hilda. Let them think she was going to hand them over. She wasn't a fool like Arthur. Once she had the papers, she'd have bargaining power. And then maybe, just maybe, they'd let her walk away.
*****
Having watched the whole encounter, Danni wasted no time. She materialized in Donatelli's office, shouting, "Come on. We've got to go!"
"Slow down. You're going to wake the dead."
"Well, someone will die if you don't get out of that chair. Patti Beckett is having lunch with Hilda as we speak, and she's digging for information."
Donatelli frowned, leaning forward in his chair. "What did you see?"
"She's asking a lot of questions about Hilda's research. I followed her to the museum and then to lunch with Hilda. She's convinced Hilda to put her research papers into Patti's safe deposit box."
Donatelli didn't need any more convincing. "I'll set up surveillance outside the restaurant. If Patti plays a dangerous game, I want to know who she works for."
"That woman works for no one but herself." Danni sneered.
"We'll see." Donatelli grabbed his sunglasses and headed for the door.
*****
After leaving the restaurant, Patti hurried to the park, nervously glancing over her shoulder. She spotted the enforcer and two other men waiting for her near a bench. She approached them.
"Where's the papers?" The man's voice was icy as he grabbed her arm. She flinched, trying to pull away.
"She's going to give them to me tomorrow. She didn't have them with her."
One of the men looked at her with a cold, menacing glare. "We need those files now. You'll get them if you know what's good for you."
"I can't do that," Patti protested, her voice shaky. "I've already risked enough."
The man didn't care for her excuses. He grabbed her roughly, his hands tightening around her arms. "You'll do what we say or pay the price."
Patti started to panic. "Let me go! I did what you asked."
"Not good enough," the man growled. He tightened his grip, causing her to yelp.
"Please, just give me more time!" Patti pleaded, her heart pounding. But the man didn't relent, shoving her toward the car.
"You've run out of time."
Patti's eyes flared with fear, and she screamed — the loudest, blood-curdling howl she could manage. She wasn't going down easy. She kicked his legs and started yelling louder, "Help me! Help me!" Her calls for help started drawing other people's attention in the park.
Realizing she was creating a scene, the man in the suit yelled, "Forget her! We gotta get out of here."
The enforcer snarled but did as he was told and released her. The three men scrambled into the car and raced away, leaving her rattled but relieved.
Shaking uncontrollably, Patti turned and ran — directly into another man. He steadied her with a firm grip, his expression unreadable. "We need to talk," he said coolly.
Patti pulled away, muttering, "Detective Donatelli."
Out of sight, Danni radioed the surrounding cruisers with a description and a partial license plate. It wasn't what she'd hoped for, but it was better than nothing.
Danielle "Danni" Delahanty -- Ghost Detective
Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer/ex-lover of Donatelli -
Arthur Beckett - deceased lawyer, friend, and enemy of Naomi
Patti Beckett - ex-wife from a nasty divorce
Hilda - a pageant contestant and medical researcher
Klaus - Hilda's older brother and protector
Johan - a supposed friend of Hilda's family with a connection to Jose
Angelo Carter - a private investigator with a dark side
Carlos Hernandez - a Mexican landowner with power
Jose Hernandez - Carlos's son - a reckless playboy
Alejandro - Jose's childhood friend
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent
Tango and Poppa - FBI agents under Garth
Allie - his love who died of cancer (an investigative reporter)
Dr. Rosa Galotti -- Morgue Medical Examiner
Emily - Jenna's faithful assistant
Lila - a pageant contestant who was murdered for her research
Thomas Whitaker - Lila's father
Sophia - Lila's sister (blind)
Max - Sophia's best friend and guide dog
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer/ex-lover of Donatelli -
Arthur Beckett - deceased lawyer, friend, and enemy of Naomi
Patti Beckett - ex-wife from a nasty divorce
Hilda - a pageant contestant and medical researcher
Klaus - Hilda's older brother and protector
Johan - a supposed friend of Hilda's family with a connection to Jose
Angelo Carter - a private investigator with a dark side
Carlos Hernandez - a Mexican landowner with power
Jose Hernandez - Carlos's son - a reckless playboy
Alejandro - Jose's childhood friend
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent
Tango and Poppa - FBI agents under Garth
Allie - his love who died of cancer (an investigative reporter)
Dr. Rosa Galotti -- Morgue Medical Examiner
Emily - Jenna's faithful assistant
Lila - a pageant contestant who was murdered for her research
Thomas Whitaker - Lila's father
Sophia - Lila's sister (blind)
Max - Sophia's best friend and guide dog
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