Splitting Nines (1) Read online

Chapter 5. Moonstone Beach

  It was called Moonstone Beach because of the numerous shinning white stones that can be seen by the water’s edge at low tide. Nudists from neighboring states flocked there to bask in the sun. Skin fans went there to observe the nude bathers.

  Dave and Jimmy were pleasantly surprised to come across Cookie and Linda, naked, sitting on a blanket.

  "There's Cookie! I recognize her tits," blurted Jimmy.

  The girls brought their knees together and crossed their ankles as the boys advanced.

 

  “What’s with the bathing suits, boys?” asked Linda. “Ashamed of your short comings?”

 

  “We’re just passing through,” Dave answered, embarrassed. "We have to meet with my dad at the Ocean Mist in ten minutes."

 

  “Whatever your little heart desires, Linda.” Jimmy removed his suit.

 

  Linda stared, squinted, and leaned forward. “My, my, you're hung like my hamster.”

 

  “That’s odd, he has huge hands,” Cookie said. “Obviously, an old wives’ tale.”

 

  “You tell me. I wouldn’t know.” Linda winked at Cookie.

 

  Jimmy scanned the area. “Observe the others, Linda. Just like at a nudist wedding, you can actually see who the best man is.” He put his hands on his hips, chin up.

  “I’m not interested in small stuff” Linda slightly separated her feet and legs. “Are we going to be working together this fall?”

  “Yep! I talked with Mr. Ford. I’ll work my magic. Then I’ll have you in my arms like a boa around a rabbit before winter.” Jimmy eyeballed her breasts.

 

  “Beware, Jimmy’s been watching you, scheming, waiting to make his move,” Dave said, focusing on Linda’s lavender eyes.

 

  “Devious. I like that in a boy.” Linda put her hands flat on the blanket and leaned back while observing Dave’s eye movement. She was touched by his ability to maintain eye contact.

 

  “Cookie, can I see you later?” asked Dave. "We gotta get going."

 

  “Call me. The number's in the book.”

 

  “Great! We can go to the Ground Round.”

 

  Jimmy put his swimwear back on. “Later, girls.”

 

  Dave waved as they walked away.

 

  “See ya,” said Linda. "You see that thing? Ouch! Maybe I should get him to put sun-screen on my butt just to watch it grow.”

 

  “Why don’t ya, before he gets away?”

 

  Linda handed Cookie sun-screen lotion and then lied on her stomach. “Protect me from the sun, please.”

  The Ocean Mist bar and grill had a huge deck overlooking the ocean. Ray and his attorney met with the boys in the far corner above the water. The counsel stressed on the importance of not discussing the case with anyone. No matter what. Then he questioned each boy one at a time. Surprisingly no inquiries as to what actually happened inside the house. As far as he was concerned they never stepped inside that house that night. At no time did Ray or his attorney ask either one if they touched, raped or murdered Florence Paine.

  Jimmy appreciated the free legal service and cover-up, but he didn't particularly care for the way the lawyer spoke to him. Different from the friendly and polite manner he had treated Dave. He smiled and looked the attorney in the eye. "We didn't touch that bitch. She was already nude and dead."

  The lawyer glanced around the area. He pointed at Jimmy. "Nobody asked you. Keep your mouth shut. Do exactly what I recommended. Do you have a problem with that?"

  Jimmy shock his head. "No! Just saying. You look at me like I was a piece of crap."

 

  A pretty server placed a basket full of peanuts on the table between Dave and Cookie inside the Ground Round eating area. “May I get you another coke?”

 

  “No, thank you,” answered Dave.

 

  The waitress wearing a skin color latex glove picked up Dave's empty glass and placed it on her tray. She marched away crushing peanut shells scattered on the floor as a cartoon played on a large screen mounted to a wall. As soon as she entered the kitchen an extra large gloved hand lifted Dave’s glass off the tray. Shortman placed it into clear poly bag.

  Cookie leaned forward and whispered, “You knew jewelry box meant a lot to me.”

 

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Dave scanned the area. “How come your dad didn’t give it to you after your mom died?”

  “Too young I guess before he married Mom’s bitch sister. Just months after her funeral.”

 

  Dave appeared confused. “Is that legal?”

 

  Cookie laughed. “Yeah, it’s legal to marry your sister-in-law. Odd, but legal.”

  “I know. Just kidding. We think your neighbor, Gene Evans, did it.”

 

  “That’s what I think. He’s a creep. Always stalking Florence.”

 

  “There’s a beach party tonight in Oakland Beach. Wanna go?”

 

  “Love to but my dad won’t let me. He'd kill me if he knew I was with you.”

 

  “Would you like to see ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ a week from tomorrow? It’s playing at the Theatre by the Sea.”

 

  “I’m sorry, Dave, you know with school starting and all, I’m gonna be very busy.”

 

  Dave’s face turned red. He looked depressed.

  Cookie felt sorry for Dave. Not just now but going back to the fourth grade, her first day of school in Conimicut. Back then, prior to his prosthesis, she couldn't help but to notice three fingers were missing from his right hand. He was sitting at the desk to her right constantly staring at her. Her peripheral vision was so good all she had to do was turn her head slightly to remove all doubt. She could clearly see him and knew by his face he liked what he saw.

 

  Cookie reached across the table and touched Dave’s good hand. “We’ll go out again, I promise. Do you remember rejecting me when you were ten?"