Talking Rock - Hardcover

Patterson, Raland J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 143896112X ISBN 13: 9781438961125

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2009

Synopsis

TALKING ROCK Legs, a thirty-something single mother, has had enough of entitled rich men using her for their own purposes. To match her hot body, she creates a confident, in-charge alter ego determined to turn the tables and exploit them. She desires a life of wealth and power and when she meets Charlie Webb, a timid lawyer who is the nephew of a member of the Georgia State Senate, she realizes that 'high life' may finally be within her grasp. Her plan is to use his lack of confidence, his connections, and his ambition to make him a Senator and then marry him. To accomplish this goal, she uses her knowledge of a serial killer who operated in Georgia, Jim Coleman, who killed wealthy fathers and their sons with such skill that the murders were considered suicides. By targeting a random family first, to set the scene and to test Charlie's abilities and commitment, she then moves on to his uncle, the person she needs to eliminate in order to have Charlie appointed to fill his vacant Senate seat. Legs tips off Bill Dean, a prominent newspaper reporter, to ensure all suspicion is placed exactly where she wants it - on Jim Coleman. While the Georgia Bureau of Investigation follows the evidence on a wild goose chase, Legs and Charlie are on the fast track toward making all of their dreams come true.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Talking Rock

By Raland J. Patterson

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2009 Raland J. Patterson
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4389-6112-5

Contents

Chapter 1. A Chance Encounter.............................1Chapter 2. Next Date......................................11Chapter 3. Plan Completed.................................15Chapter 4. Breakfast Meeting..............................23Chapter 5. Surprise Party.................................27Chapter 6. The Party......................................31Chapter 7. Supplies.......................................37Chapter 8. The Gun Show...................................39Chapter 9. An Upset Father................................45Chapter 10. A Plan Comes Together..........................47Chapter 11. Second Phone Call..............................49Chapter 12. Plan's First Step..............................51Chapter 13. Reward For A Job Well Done.....................59Chapter 14. New Revenge....................................61Chapter 15. The Plan Worked................................63Chapter 16. A Senator's Wrath..............................67Chapter 17. The Witness....................................71Chapter 18. The Boys Are Back In Court.....................75Chapter 19. A Pact.........................................77Chapter 20. The Next Step..................................81Chapter 21. The Reporter...................................85Chapter 22. Judge's Chambers...............................89Chapter 23. Another Call...................................93Chapter 24. Time To Kill...................................95Chapter 25. A Killing......................................99Chapter 26. Bill Dean Acts.................................103Chapter 27. Suspect List...................................105Chapter 28. Senator's Secretary............................109Chapter 29. Alibi..........................................113Chapter 30. New Suspect....................................117Chapter 31. Change In Plans................................121Chapter 32. Jim's Frustration..............................123Chapter 33. Another Call...................................125Chapter 34. The Set Up.....................................129Chapter 35. Dalton Sheriff.................................131Chapter 36. New Leads......................................135Chapter 37. Irene Johnson..................................139Chapter 38. Wedding Dress..................................143Chapter 39. Car Search.....................................149Chapter 40. A Visit With The Senator.......................151Chapter 41. Wedding Day....................................157Chapter 42. The Honeymoon..................................161Chapter 43. Guidance.......................................165Chapter 44. Finding A Truck................................169Chapter 45. Picking Up The Truck...........................173Chapter 46. The Fbi........................................179Chapter 47. Recon The Route...............................183Chapter 48. Trial Run......................................185Chapter 49. Second Attempt.................................189Chapter 50. The Police Report..............................193Chapter 51. Finding The Killer.............................197Chapter 52. I Want A Lawyer................................199Chapter 53. The Story......................................203Chapter 54. Hospital Room..................................207

Chapter One

A Chance Encounter

In a run-down bar just outside the Atlanta city limits, a tall blond directed the bartender, "Joe, give me another beer, you wouldn't believe the horrible week I've had."

"Legs, you know my name isn't Joe. Why do you keep calling me that?"

"Felix, give me a beer, just doesn't have the same ring to it."

"You can call me Joe if you'll tell me your real name," he challenged.

"What makes you think my real name isn't Legs? Legs doesn't have a lousy job, kids and a mortgage."

He laughed. "Have it your way. Here's your beer."

Seeing a well-dressed man sitting in a back booth, she asked Joe, "Who's that guy in the back?"

"Never heard his name, but I think he's a lawyer from Cartersville. He comes in every six months or so when he needs to get drunk. He's had six vodkas so far."

"He wants to get drunk quickly. Do you think he wants some company?"

"Drunks usually do."

She observed him for a moment. He was sitting in a large, maroon leather circular booth made to seat at least eight people. She chuckled, realizing that the booth would have been a real status symbol for the bar when it was in its heyday - at least twenty years ago. She couldn't understand why he chose that particular booth unless he thought it was the best; therefore, he didn't care that he was taking up so many spaces. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to him and said, "It looks like we're the only people here. Do you mind if I join you? I don't like to drink alone."

He looked up to see a striking woman with a firm, athletic body. "Please join me, but I won't make very good company. My name is Charlie."

She slid in beside him and said, "Just call me Legs. Why don't you think you would make good company?"

"My job always sucks, but today was worse than usual. I was up for senior partner of our firm, but my wonderful uncle, the Senator, promoted another guy."

Touching his hand, she asked, "Why would your uncle do that to you?"

"Oh, he says it was the best thing for our law firm. He says the new guy increased our business by 30% this year." Slurring his words, he asked, "What kind of excuse is that? I've been there ten years. I took over my father's part of the business when he died. The new guy wouldn't think I was promoted because I was his nephew, would he?"

She looked at the well-dressed drunk and mumbled, "Rich kid, weak kid."

Not understanding what she said, he asked, "What'd you say?"

"Oh nothing, just thinking out loud. What did you do before you took over your father's business?"

He looked at her like it was a stupid question and said, "I didn't do anything after law school. My family was rich. Why should I work?"

"I guess if you don't have to, it's okay. But if that's the case, why was this promotion so important to you?"

"Respect! I'm not getting the respect I deserve. One day, I'll show them. I'll show all of them. I could be just as good a Senator as my uncle. He can't live forever."

With that statement her interest was piqued. She ordered them another round and sat quietly watching while Charlie drank himself into a stupor. She studied the man before her. He had a receding hairline with curly hair. It was obvious he was vain because he refused to let his sideburns grow and, in an effort to appear younger, dyed his hair an unnatural jet black. Unfortunately, all of his efforts actually resulted in making him look as if he had a Brillo pad on the top of his head.

As she watched and listened, she began to realize that maybe her ship had finally come in. It was obvious to her Charlie was a weak, insecure man. With a little luck and a lot of planning, she just might be able to ride this horse into the winner's circle.

As she looked over at the pathetic little man, she knew he was in no shape to drive home. She'd been matching him drink for drink, so neither was she. She shook him hard and said, "We need to go home. Where do you live?"

Barely able to talk, Charlie slurred, "I'll show you. My car's out front."

"You're in no shape to drive! Your uncle would really be pissed if you got a DUI."

Hearing her say the word uncle sobered him just a little. "You're right. Let's take a taxi."

Legs yelled to the bartender, "Joe! Can you get us a taxi?"

Relieved to be getting the two drunks out of his bar, he readily agreed. "I'll have one here in a couple of minutes."

Hoping to sober Charlie up enough to get him home, she forced him to his feet and started walking him towards the door. It surprised her when she realized she was staggering too, as she never allowed herself to be out of control. The taxi was waiting when they reached the front door of the bar. She opened the car door and pushed Charlie inside. Then she staggered around to the other side. She heard the driver ask, "Where to, lady?"

"I'm not sure." Shaking Charlie, she said, "Charlie, he needs to know where you live."

Trying to sound in control, Charlie handed a business card to the driver and said, "Cartersville."

The driver said, "It's not worth my while to go all the way to Cartersville."

Charlie handed him a hundred dollar bill without flinching. It was obvious he had done this before. The money disappeared into the driver's hand as he said, "Sit back, relax and I'll have you home before you know it."

Legs soon dozed off from the heat in the cab. When the driver hit a loose manhole cover the noise awakened her. She could see they were in an old, established residential section of town. Majestic oaks framed both sides of the road creating an umbrella effect over the street. So this is where the rich folks live in Cartersville, she thought. As they continued slowly down the street, she noticed some of the residences had signs out front. One was a law firm, one an architect, and one was even a museum. It looked as if over the years these magnificent homes had been bought and renovated into prestigious businesses. The driver slowed and turned into a driveway saying, "Here you are, ma'am. Do you need help getting him inside?"

"I would really appreciate that." They got him to the front door, Charlie was able to hand her his key. She opened the door and heard the shrill sound of an alarm system. Panicked, she turned to Charlie and said, "What's the alarm code?"

His words were so slurred they could barely make out that the alarm wasn't turned on before he passed out. With the driver's help, she got him to the first bedroom they could find. Once the driver had left, she searched the house for a room of her own. Two doors down, she met with success. Kicking off her shoes, she fell onto the bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

The sound of the morning newspaper hitting the front door awakened her. It took her a moment to remember where she was and the events of the previous evening. Barely able to sit up, she began to glance around the room. It was elegant and understated, just like she had always imagined the rich lived. She walked over to the window and thought, My God, this is an estate. The yard is half a block long and just as wide.

Looking closer, she noticed that the grass and shrubbery had been meticulously manicured. She again faced the room and slowly took in the details. It was then she realized what had been bothering her. There was no way Charlie could take care of this huge place by himself. She entered the bathroom and cleaned up before walking downstairs. Charlie was sitting at the dining room table. Her presence startled him. "Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my house?"

The tone of his voice pissed her off . Her normal response to his rudeness would have been to tell him to screw himself; however, the beginning of a plan was forming in her mind to use this weak, useless creature. Biting her tongue, she said, "I'm Legs. Don't you remember last night?"

Still slightly drunk, he said, "I thought that was a weird dream."

"Are you disappointed?"

Remembering his manners, he stood quickly and said, "No way. Can I have Juanita make you some breakfast?"

"That would be great. You have a beautiful home and yard."

"I ought to, with two gardeners, a maid and a cook to do the work."

Seeing his business card lying on the table, she picked it up and read it. Charles D. Webb, Attorney-at-Law.

"Charles Webb, with your life you should never be depressed about anything, but I'm glad you were last night."

"I'm glad, too."

When Juanita brought in her breakfast, Legs inhaled the wonderful smell and it almost took her breath away. "God, that smells good."

Juanita smiled at the compliment and said, "Thank you, ma'am."

Legs buttered her toast and said, "Thank you! It's been a long time since I was served breakfast."

Charlie was pleased with her response. He glanced down and realized he only had on his boxer shorts under his bathrobe. He stood and said, "If you don't mind, I'll go get dressed while you're eating."

She could see he was uncomfortable, so she smiled and said, "No problem. I'll be right here until the food runs out." As she watched him leave she smiled and thought, Oh, my God, I've hit the jackpot. This guy is perfect! All it will take is me stroking his ego and keeping him happy. He's rich and weak, but he has the potential to actually become a Senator with my help. He can probably count the number of times he's gotten any on one hand. With me, he's going to think he has died and gone to heaven. I'm going to give him more sex than he has ever dreamed about. I only need a simple plan for a weak, simple man.

Sipping her coffee, she thought back to when she was called Legs for the first time. While in high school she couldn't say she was homely; it was more like she was invisible. No one, especially the boys, knew she was alive. Then one summer her mother got her a job cleaning offices for some of the businessmen in town. An older man, about 40, looked at her like no one else ever had. It scared and excited her at the same time. When she picked up his trash he gave out a little whistle and asked, "Hey there, Legs, where did you come from?"

She had giggled and raced away. However, his flirting was exciting and she liked it.

From then on, she made a special effort to make sure he was at his desk when she cleaned his office. She knew it was a dangerous game, but this older man made her feel special.

Then one day he asked, "So Legs, how old are you?"

She thought, Should I lie? Why, he probably already knows.

She answered, "I just turned 17."

"Jailbait, that's what I thought."

She didn't know what to say. Standing there like a scared rabbit, she couldn't move.

He broke the awkward silence by saying, "That means I can't touch but I can still look, if that's okay with you."

That short phrase-'if that's okay with you'-changed her life forever. Someone thought she was important enough to ask her opinion and permission. All summer long the flirting increased between them. After a couple of months on the new job she was given sole responsibility for his section of the office. It didn't go unnoticed with him that she always cleaned his office last.

One day he asked, "Are you working this Friday?"

Surprised, she replied, "Yes, why?"

"Well the office staff is going on a picnic at noon and taking the rest of the day off . It'll be just you and me kid," he said, laughing.

The thought of just the two of them alone together excited her. When Friday came she didn't wear her usual work clothes but chose a thin cotton dress that hit her long legs at about mid thigh. When she walked into his office that Friday afternoon she was weak in the knees. The expression on his face was more than she expected. He gave out his normal whistle and said, "My God. Your legs do go all the way to heaven."

His comment washed over her like nothing she had ever felt before. Then he said something that had a profound effect on her future. "I'll give you $100 to see where those legs stop."

When she heard that, she wasn't upset or off ended. She just heard $100. That was a week's salary. Before she thought, she blurted out, "A real $100?"

Not letting the opportunity drop he answered, "Yes. I promise to only look."

"You just look and nothing else for $100?"

Opening his wallet he placed two fifty-dollar bills on the top of his desk. Grabbing the money she stepped back and raised her dress above her waist. He just stared at the beautiful, young body in front of him. After what seemed like enough time, she dropped her dress. He liked what he saw. He then asked, "How much would it cost me for you to take your panties off?"

She surprised herself when she snapped back, "A lot more. Let's just stay with the $100 look for a while."

As time passed he saw more; however, he paid more also. The attention he gave her began to improve her self-esteem. She was making about a thousand dollars a month just selling him looks. His constant compliments on her legs created the desire to make them even better. She began a workout routine that created a perfect, athletic body. Smiling at the thought, even the high school boys began to notice her. She'd been flattered when the richest boy in town asked her to the prom. However, when her dream date turned out to be a put-out-or-get-out affair, something snapped in her. She got out of the car and began to walk out of the woods where they had parked. The more she walked the angrier she got. She had walked only 500 yards when her date pulled up beside her. Thinking he was still in control, he called out, "Get in this car."

She yelled back, "Only if you'll take me to the police station."

She hadn't known it at the time, but the rich kid was in constant trouble with the police. He folded like a house of cards. The self-assured, rich kid disappeared before her eyes and a whining, scared child replaced him. Begging her forgiveness, he promised her anything she wanted not to tell on him. His response was instrumental in Legs' development of the philosophy she began to live by: Show me a rich kid and I'll show you a wimp that can be fleeced.

Over the years her relationship with the old man became more and more intimate. He seemed to get the most pleasure from giving pleasure. He taught her the pleasure of oral sex on his large, walnut desk. The price for this was her college education. His strange sense of honor about not taking her virginity allowed her to remain a virgin until her freshman year of college. She regretted telling him about her affair with a classmate, as he seemed to lose the gleam in his eye when he looked at her after that. But her approach on life was set. Find the weak, rich kids and take them for all they were worth. She prided herself on how quickly she could recognize them. Since then, she had developed an alter-ego-Legs- as a coping mechanism for dealing with the fact that these very men had used her then tossed her aside at will. As Legs, she became the hunter seeking gratification and dreams she could never achieve in her ordinary life. The previous week had been extremely stressful and she smiled as she realized it was time for Legs to come out and play.

Chapter Two

Next Date

When Charlie came back downstairs, they just sat at the table and talked until almost noon. Finally, Charlie called them a cab and they rode back to the bar to get their cars. Legs was frustrated that Charlie hadn't said anything about seeing her again. She began to worry that a sober Charlie was too timid and shy to make her plan work.

When he paid the driver she took the bull by the horns. "Charlie Webb, I had an awesome time. When can we do this again?"

He was speechless. This beautiful woman wanted to see him again?

Impatiently she said, "I have to work all next week, but I'm free Saturday. How about you?"

With a big grin, he said, "I'm free all weekend. When can I pick you up?"

Legs didn't want him to know where she lived, so she quickly said, "Why don't I just come to your house and we'll go from there?"

He was so excited, he'd agree to anything. It was clear that he might have seen his 40th birthday, but if her plan was going to work, she would have to treat him like a nave sixteen year old. She decided that the less information she gave him about herself the better. He needed to think he was the center of her world if she was going to convince him he was capable of the things she wanted him to achieve. Pumping up his ego was really important; because it was obvious no one had ever told Charlie they thought he could do anything. While time consuming, it would be worth it. Of all her past efforts, this one seemed to have the most potential.

Legs invested hundreds of hours over a period of six months gaining Charlie's trust. Her gut told her Charlie now viewed his uncle as the only obstacle between him and a senate seat. She knew the key to success was for Charlie to believe killing his uncle was his idea and that her only role was to assist him in achieving this goal. "Charlie if your uncle were dead, would you get the senate seat?"

His grin showed he approved of the idea, "I would be the obvious choice. I'm the last Webb."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Talking Rockby Raland J. Patterson Copyright © 2009 by Raland J. Patterson. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 143896112X
• ISBN 13: 9781438961125
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 220