The Referral Game

squeezed my hand and put her head back on my shoulder.
    “You feel things deep,” she said.
    “Just one of my faults.”
    “I like that.”
    We pulled up in front of my building and got out. I paid the fare, tossed a fiver on top of it and turned to leave when the cab driver spoke: “Hey buddy.”
    “Yeah?” I didn’t want another argument with this guy.
    “I heard what you told the girl.”
    I didn’t say anything.
    “I was out of line back there. I just wanted to tell you that,” he said.
    “It’s okay,” I said. “Sometimes it’s hard to see the lines.”
    Paula and I went inside, caught the elevator and rode up in silence. She was still holding my hand. The doors opened and we walked into the hallway. The hall lights were dimmed after eight on the weekends so the hall had an eerie glow. We walked down to my office and I unlocked the door. We went inside and turned on the lights.
    We had only gotten to my desk when she stopped and slid one arm around my waist.
    “I’m glad you’re with me,” she said.
    “Second thoughts?” I asked.
    “No, just stirring up old ghosts. I don’t have to tell you what that’s like.”
    Her arm felt warm and natural around me. I wanted to respond in kind, but we still had some unfinished business tonight.
    We both looked out the window. It had begun to snow. I was lost in thought when a cough brought me back to reality. I turned and found Pomeroy standing in the door.

Chapter 7

The Meeting

“A m I interrupting something?” He asked seemingly bemused.
    “Of course not. We were waiting on you,” I said. “It’s just been a long night for us that’s all.”
    “Hello Paula,” he said.
    I glanced at Paula. Her face was stone.
    Seeing that Paula need a jump-start I decided to open up the proceedings.
    “Well Mr. Pomeroy,” I began. “We may as well get comfortable. Paula would you like a seat?”
    She said nothing. She gripped my hand so tightly that I could feel her nails nearly pierce my skin. Pomeroy was just smiling at her. Maybe he couldn’t see how uneasy she had become.
    “What’s the matter Paula? I asked.
    “That’s not Edgar Pomeroy,” she said in a flat, controlled voice.
    “What?” I exclaimed. “What are you talking about? Of course it is.”
    I turned to the man I knew as Edgar Pomeroy and found myself staring at the revolver he now had in his hand.
    “We haven’t been properly introduced Mr. Randall,” he said. “I’m Silas Pomeroy.”

    My head swam. The started to spin and I leaned against my desk for support. Beads of perspiration formed on my forehead.
    “Are you feeling faint Mr. Randall?” asked Silas. He smile had turned into a mocking leer. “Maybe you need a drink.”
    I steadied myself and looked him in the eyes. “I don’t understand.”
    “Of course not. That’s why you’re here. A drunken third rate private dick makes you the perfect patsy. I needed someone who would wander around town repeating that ridiculous story I told you. I’m sure there must be a dozen people who will swear that Paula came here to meet Edgar. So you see Mr. Randall you’ll testify for me even in death.”
    “I told he was the real devil in that house,” hissed Paula.
    Now Paula remember you’re a lady,” said Silas.
    “But Pomeroy, why all the deception? What’s the reason for all this?”
    “Money of course, more money than you could imagine Randall. You see I wasn’t completely honest about Mother’s will she didn’t split the estate quite evenly, Edgar received seventy percent of the family fortune. He was always her favorite. The only thing that was split down the middle was the house. And he wanted to sell it and divide the money. He said if I wanted to stay I would have buy him out. Can you imagine that? Me buying my own home.”
    “What about Edgar?” I asked.
    “I’m sorry to report that my poor brother has had an unfortunate accident. I killed him earlier today.”
    Paula burst into tears.
    “Please my dear,” he said. “You and I know that those tears are for the money and not Edgar. If it makes you feel any better Edgar didn’t have any intention of sharing his newfound wealth with you. I made that up so as to ensure your presence here today. I know that you couldn’t resist the lure of a quick score. But don’t worry, money will be of little use where you are going. You see I’m afraid that you and our intrepid Mr. Randall have played your parts in this small farce. Since your usefulness is at