Bosom Bodies (Mina's Adventures) Page 14

  She stopped him. “No, I’ll drive you to your bike. Where do I go to sign the papers?”

  Diego turned and pointed to a white, squat building at the opposite end. “What do you have here?” He lifted a Ralph’s paper bag stuck in the narrow back seat.

  Mina looked. “Oh, so that’s where I left it. It’s nothing. My Bosom Bodies uniform. I brought it home after my last day and washed it.” The faint smell of shampoo reminded her of the lack of detergent. Didn’t really matter at this point. “When I went to return it on Monday the place was closed and the cops… Well, you where there. You remember.” They looked at each other. No laughs, no smiles, eyes locked and then… “Shit. The uniform. Ginger lent me her uniform I was to return it to Barbara on Monday. Oh my God. Oh my God.”

  “Shush, Mina, calm down.”

  There was no shushing her, not now. She yanked the bag from Diego’s hands. The paper ripped. The red wig fell out first, the mini skirt, then the T-shirt which was still inside-out the same way as when she tried to dry it with her hair blower. She felt herself blushing while pulling out the last piece, the skin colored padded bra. That was it. She crumbled the paper into a small ball and chucked it into the back seat, her hands still trembling with excitement.

  Maledizione.

  “You even had me going there for a minute.” Diego’s voice was calm and soothing. “Look, I’m sure this bag and its contents have been examined very carefully by many experts before they allowed you to pick up the car. Don’t feel bad. Your heart is in the right place.”

  “Shut up.” She kissed him. The instant their lips touched she could tell he was totally startled by her action. He pushed her back ever so slowly. “Mina, we are under surveillance. They have cameras in every corner. By morning, your friend DeFiore will be watching the ‘kiss’ in his private office. Just saying.”

  She shrugged but knew he was right. “It has to be here, that’s the only thing I had from Ginger. Let’s look again.” Mina started to recheck every item she pulled from the bag. She felt the padding in the bra, ran her fingers through the coarse texture of the wig, analyzed the seams and zipper of the mini skirt. She turned the T-shirt over, the way it was supposed to be. Nothing. Everything looked the same as it did when she first wore the uniform from hell. Shit.

  “I thought maybe the rhinestones were the real thing,” she said, rubbing her fingernails over the dense, iridescent surface.

  “Diamonds don’t look so multicolored even in the raw state, this is probably plastic.” Diego took the T-shirt from Mina and looked at the lettering first from the inside, then from the outside. Metal fasteners poked through from the wrong side of the shirt, grabbed onto and anchored the individual rhinestones. Something seemed to catch Diego’s attention. He looked at the front again. “Did you wash this?” he asked.

  “Of course I did. That’s why it smells of shampoo.”

  “You washed the T-shirt with shampoo? Never mind. I’m sure you have a fascinating story on the subject.” He looked up and winked at her. She wanted to grab him and kiss him again, but she remembered the cameras and DeFiore. She smiled.

  Diego searched his pocket and pulled out a small knife, snapped open the blade and forced the sharp point under one of the rhinestones. Mina could see the shining tip poking between the fabric and the stone. He pushed harder and then twisted the blade. The top of the rhinestone came loose. He caught it with his other hand.

  “Let me see,” Mina said.

  Without speaking, he put the plastic gem in her hand and then closed it like a fist.

  He inched his face closer to hers. “Listen, whatever happens next, keep a sad expression, no kisses, no happy dance. We are on camera and don’t know who’s watching. Perhaps someone who reads lips. I’m not joking, Mina. Play along, sad or happy news, doesn’t matter. You are feeling miserable.”

  All she could think about was the warmth of his hand on hers and the scent of his skin. He opened her fist and brought the blade to her palm. They were so close to each other their bodies formed a cocoon around the hand holding the stone. Diego inserted the tip of the knife at the bottom of the rhinestone and lifted. Something small and clear fell out.

  “Here it is,” Diego said.

  “What?”

  “This is a diamond in its rawest state. Some clever scum encased the real thing in an iridescent plastic shell. Had you not washed the shirt, no one would have figured out. But the moisture caused by the water and the forced hot air produced vapor and, lucky for us, not all disappeared.”

  Mina was speechless.

  Diego must have assumed she was following his directions. “Good girl, now listen. Keep the sad face, pack everything back in the ripped paper bag, go sign the documents and let’s get out of here. While you sign off, I’ll contact DeFiore and have him meet us halfway. Once the evidence changes hands you are home safe. Good job. Now let’s move.” He got out of the Volkswagen. Mina packed the uniform and wig back into the crumpled grocery bag. She had yet to find her voice.

  Chapter 19

  Winter Solstice darkened the sky and the shadows of the night descended upon them at the speed of a falling star. Mina followed Diego’s Harley from the Costa Mesa Freeway to the 73 South. She was clueless as to where they were headed. DeFiore would meet them halfway, halfway to where? She didn’t like driving at night, and driving at night on unfamiliar routes was the worst. The road wasn’t deserted. Cars zoomed past her Volkswagen. Lit buildings lined the hillside. Mina kept her eyes on Diego’s taillights. From time to time she patted the paper bag lying on the passenger seat. She was still in a state of awe that they discovered the diamonds.

  Something didn’t feel right with the car as if it slowed down for no reason. She pushed the gas pedal, a brief acceleration, then nothing. Mina panicked. The Bug didn’t respond. Instinctively, she steered toward the safety lane at about the same time the car coughed and died. At least the spot was bright, right under the big green sign pointing to the exit ramp to Irvine Avenue. Were they headed to Irvine? Bizarre. She flashed her headlights hoping Diego would see she wasn’t following him, then tried to start the engine again. The battery fired up and that was that. What could be wrong? Her Bug never left her stranded before. She heard cars beeping, and when she looked up, a single headlight was coming in her direction, heading straight at her.

  Oh, mio Dio. It had to be Diego’s Harley. He drove on the safety lane, against traffic. She figured anyone with a car phone was dialing 911 and any moment now the Highway Patrol would come calling. Every cop in Orange County would know where her Bug died. So much for not attracting attention.

  “What happened?” Diego put the kickstand down on the hard surface, shifted into neutral and jumped off the bike. She got out of the car; he didn’t seem too happy about that.

  “I don’t knowmy car just died, but the lights still work.”

  Diego went around and looked inside. “Are you out of gas?’

  “There was plenty of gas when DeFiore took my car, and you can see the little arrow shows full.”

  “Right now?”

  “Yes, look.”

  Diego turned the ignition key. With his head inside the car, he tapped on the gasoline gauge. He turned off the key, tapped again. “It’s stuck or broken.”

  “It was working just fine I tell you. It’s all DeFiore’s fault.”

  Diego wasn’t listening. He looked around. His face had taken on that same expression she remembered from the night she had tried to get his gun.

  Edgy and aloof.

  She watched, horrified, as he bent down, retrieved the gun from his boot and placed it somewhere on his back. He never glanced in her direction. He removed his helmet and handed it to her. “Here, put it on. Hurry.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Don’t argue. Put it on.” He picked up the paper bag from the passenger seat, hesitated then gave it to her. He patted her cheek, checked the helmet strap under her chin. Something in his eyes frightened her. He unzipped his le
ather jacket. “Put this on also.”

  “I’m not cold, and what…”

  “Mina, do it. Now.”

  The jacket was huge on her, even over her clothes. Before closing the zipper, he placed the bag with the uniform inside the jacket. She felt the lump against her chest when he zipped her up.

  “Let’s go.” He straddled the Harley. “Get on the bike. Hurry.” His voice harsh and pressing.

  Mina sat behind him, circled her arms around his waist. He felt small against all her padding. In spite of the layers of clothing a shiver rushed the length of her spine. He revved the engine; the Harley moved, and they reached the Irvine exit just when the first flashing lights appeared from the north side of the freeway. What had just happened? She turned to send a mental goodbye to her poor car. The headlights were still bright, and her left blinker throbbed in unison with Mina’s heart.

  Diego drove like a maniac. Street lights zoomed by. Cars looked like props on a Disney set, small and fast. From behind the protection of the helmet, Mina felt like a spectator, watching the unknown unfold at full speed. Where were they headed? An inner fear built in her bowels bringing back memories of her mother’s death. Did he sense it? His gloved hand patted her bare one. She had a hunch Diego was checking his side mirrors often. What was he seeking? She stretched her torso, trying to peek in the same direction.

  “Don’t look back,” he shouted.

  “Why?”

  “We are being followed.”

  “By whom?” With that helmet on, she felt like a bobble head.

  “Mina, I don’t know, but regardless, they can’t be good people. Don’t turn around. You’ll expose yourself. Keep your head down.”

  “Expose myself to what?” Like an answer to her question, something zipped past her helmet. It sounded like a bee on a caffeine rush. A bullet? She doubted it.

  “Fuck. Twelve gauge.” Diego accelerated the engine so hard, it felt like they went airborne.

  “Are they shooting at us?”

  He didn’t answer. This wasn’t possible. This was Newport Beach, a town of civilized, wealthy people. Where were the cops? Now the streetlights were fewer and further apart, no more cars. She wasn’t sure where they were but sensed a body of water somewhere at the bottom of the cliff edging the road. More flying objects whizzed close to her helmet. She couldn’t see what it was, but she sensed it and heard Diego curse again.

  Glimpsing at the side mirrors, she saw headlights, far back. The car with the shooter?

  “Mina, I want you to get that paper bag with the uniform and throw it up in the air as high as you can so it can be seen from the vehicle following us. Quickly. If that’s what they’re after, they’ll leave us alone.” Diego’s order came in an icy, controlled tone. Mina wished she could feel as calm.

  “Okay, got it.” Okay nothing. She unzipped the leather jacket, pulled out the bag with one hand, then bent down and grabbed a corner of the shirt between her teeth. Holding firm on the shirt she lifted the hand and the bag and let it go. Stuffed the tee back against her chest and zipped up the jacket.

  Diego must have been watching the car behind them. “Good job Mina, they are slowing down. Now listen, we’re coming to a narrow bend on the road. I’ll decelerate and I want you to jump off toward the cliff side. Don’t worry. It’s not a real cliff. Don’t just jump. You need to tuck your head into your arms and roll. Pretend you are a ball, roll. When you stop, don’t move, and don’t call out. Regardless if people are looking for you, only respond to Dan DeFiore. We are running out of time. They’re catching up. Your legs are going to be the tricky part. It’s coming up. Hurry, get ready… be brave.”

  Paralyzed by fear and mistrust, she couldn’t find her voice. “But what about you?” Her heart cried out.

  The Harley tilted and slowed at the same time, Mina felt herself falling.

  “Go.” Diego’s voice. Diego pushing her off. No more bike, no more holding on, only free fall into the unknown. Her hands instantly went to cover her face, rested on the helmet. She hit the ground hard with her shoulder first, inhaled dust and the scent of grass while tumbling and bouncing over uneven surfaces. Time or place no longer mattered. Sky and earth blended in the terror of the now. Her whole body became a pounding muscle fighting to stop the spiraling. She landed against a bushy tree. Her shoulder hit the trunk at full force, and she bit her lip to kill the scream. All was quiet. Quiet and dark. She looked up at the sky, toward the top of the hill she fell from. Not a sound, not a light. Without moving her body, she turned her head. It felt safe in the sturdiness of the helmet. Diego had headed south. Was he mad at her? Just then a ball of fire seemed to rise from somewhere on the southern horizon. A loud explosion and then a bright light.

  Was it Christmas? La cometa di Natale. Could it be the Christmas comet? No bells ringing.

  Her mother’s voice called from up the hill. "Signorina." Must be something important. Better pay attention. Then all went black.

  Chapter 20

  A voice called her name. A woman’s voice. It wasn’t her mother. Mina remembered Diego’s warning. “Only respond to Dan DeFiore.” Not DeFiore either.

  But it was so close, a whisper in her ear. “Mina, you awake?”

  Diego didn’t say she couldn’t open her eyes. Margo’s smile was the first greeting.

  “Margo? Where am I? What happened?” There were colorful flowers in glass vases everywhere, and helium balloons floated above Margo’s head, that said something like…get well soon…they were for her, Mina. She understood. This was a hospital.

  “Girl, you need to stop playing tricks on people. What the hell were doing in that ditch?”

  “Ditch? What ditch?” Her mouth so dry, she tried to remember how she ended up in the hospital.

  A nurse came in, all smiles. “Nice to see you awake. How is your leg?”

  “My…what leg?” Only then Mina realized her left leg was bandaged. She didn’t feel any pain. “What happened to my leg? I don’t remember.”

  “Major scrapes, no stitches. You were lucky you wore that heavy leather jacket. It cushioned your fall and the helmet saved you from a serious head injury. Smart girl.”

  Smart girl? She wore Diego’s stuff. Where was Diego?

  The nurse checked her temperature and her blood pressure, “How about some food? Are you hungry?”

  “Hungry? I don’t think so, but I’m so thirsty. My mouth is very dry.”

  “It’s probably the sedative wearing off. You slept a long time. That’s good. I’ll get you some water and maybe some orange juice. Are you up to receiving visitors? They have been waiting.” She must have noticed the puzzled look on Mina’s face when she glanced at Margo. "We let your cousin in because she is family, but the rest of them had to wait.”

  Margo stifled a smile and winked. Her cousin?

  A couple of minutes later Paco and Adams came in. No Diego. They explained how the police found her below Dover Drive. She had fallen down the short slope and landed against a tree in Castaways Park. She was lucky to get away with minor bruises and scrapes.

  “Mina, do you remember what happened? DeFiore is on his way to talk to you. I’ll stay around so we get everything cleared up,” Adams said.

  “What’s there to clear up? What? I get a ticket for being at the park after-hours?” She heard Margo giggle at her smart-mouth response. Adams didn’t look amused. “By the way, what happened to my car? Was it towed?”

  “Don’t worry about the car. There are more important issues.”

  “Yeah,” Paco interrupted, “like the cop they arrested for trying to kill you.”

  A cop? Diego?

  Someone cleared his throat, and they all looked toward the sound. DeFiore stood at the doorway, a shadowy smile on his lips. Was he trying to put her at ease or prep her for a long chat? She was dying to ask about Diego.

  “Nice to see you awake and smiling.” DeFiore came into the room. “I have to ask you a few questions. No, I’m not reading anyone’s rights.” A
forced laugh. “I need information to establish a time line, but you are welcome to have Adams present if that makes you feel better.” The man was all business.

  Her mind was still sorting the news about the cop arrest. She shook her head. “It’s up to Adams. Honestly, makes no difference to me either way.”

  Adams walked to the other side of the bed, grabbed the empty chair and sat. DeFiore had his answer. He turned, but before anything happened, Paco put on his jacket and said goodbye.

  Margo picked up her purse. “I’ll be back after I grab some food.”

  The sense of easiness and camaraderie left with them. What was happening? DeFiore closed the door. “Well, Mina, first, big congratulations for solving the mystery of Ginger’s diamonds. It was smart and courageous the way you kept the evidence from ending up in the wrong hands.” He sounded as if he meant it, too.

  Memories of the chase began to surface in her head: Diego, the Harley, hiding the shirt under the jacket. She didn’t feel smart and courageous, and why wasn’t Diego here visiting her?

  “I don’t know how much you’ve been told. We arrested Detective Perez, Sam Perez. Yes, my partner.” When he mentioned her name his face sagged, aging him ten years. “This time we have plenty of proof. She was the one shooting at you. Imagine the stupidity. She used her police issued Remington twelve gauge shot gun. Lucky for you and us, she’s a lousy markswoman.” He turned to Adams. “I never trusted her.”

  Mina seized the moment. “What happened to Diego?”

  The room went silent. The only sound was the constant click of the heart monitor connected to her. “Diego?” A sense of doom grabbed at her stomach.

  “There was an accident.” DeFiore avoided her eyes. “After you jumped off his motorcycle, Sam got lucky. She shot him—not Diego—the Harley, and, well anyway, Diego is here, in the ICU.”

  La cometa di Natale. It wasn’t the Christmas comet she saw, it was Diego going up in flames. Oh, my God!

  “I need to see him,” she said out loud, little pieces of her crumbling at full speed like sand castles in a hurricane.