“Tonight’s an unusual situation.”
I’m back in my office when Arnie calls down from 1507.
“He’s got a visitor. Some girl showed up. They kissed, hugged, jumped around. Happy to see each other.”
“Anything else?”
“That’s all. Dan here yet?”
“No. He’s not here in half an hour, I’ll send Gritch up to take over. That okay? You can hang in that long?”
“I guess.”
“That’s nice he got a visitor.”
“Good-looking, too. Redhead. Hold it, they’re coming out. I’ll get back to you.”
“Coming down the elevator?”
“Wait a sec.” There’s a pause while he steps out into the hall to check, then he’s back. “No, they went right by it. All the way down the hall. Knocked on 1529. Invited inside. Visiting the neighbours.”
“Okay, I’ll come by in about twenty minutes.”
I hang up and check my watch: 9:05. Leo will be watching television. I might have to watch a repeat of Frasier or something. Gritch comes in from the lobby and looks around for his cigar stub.
“It’s long gone, partner,” I say.
“I was getting to the good part.”
“Those things don’t have a good part. What’s happen ing with Dan?”
“Danny boy’s on his way in. His wife says he just woke up. If you believe that, I’ve got a deal for you on some swampland.”
“I’m going up to talk to the old man. When Dan gets here, send him up to relieve Arnie, then you grab some sack time in my room. I’m going to need you when Dan takes off.”
“Like what, you figure — 1:00 a.m.?”
“Yeah, like that. One, one-thirty. Dan’s got to grab some sleep and get back here as early as he can. We’re going to have to pick up a couple of people for tomorrow. Maybe from Moonlight.”
“Those guys make me nervous,” Gritch says.
“They’re like Mormons, with their black suits and short haircuts. I keep expecting them to hand me a tract.”
“I know. Neat, polite, professional. Helluva way to run an operation.”
I get back on the elevator. Up and down. Half my life. I need the special elevator key to rise all the way. Leo lives on top, high above the fifteenth floor. Has for the past seven years. His apartments are in the dome. The view used to be better before all the high-rises and skyscrapers cut off some of his sightlines to the harbour, but it’s still an impressive aerie. I think it’s the main reason he won’t sell the place.
Leo Alexander is seventy-two now. Retired since that night seven years ago. Gave control of most of his business to his two sons, Theo and Lenny, fifty and forty-six respectively, with the proviso they leave the Lord Douglas alone. Neither one lives at the hotel and they don’t speak to each other unless they have to. Leo doesn’t much care for either one of his offspring, but he’s done okay by them. They can’t sell the Lord Douglas while Leo is alive.
There’s an NFL game on tonight. I’d forgotten about that. The New York Jets are at home to the Oakland Raiders. It’s running late. It’s past midnight on the East Coast.
“Ever been to Oakland, Joseph?” Leo asks.
“Yes, sir. Twice.”
“How did you do?”
“I won.”
“Both times?”
“Yes, sir.”
“The city has good memories for you.”
“I don’t remember the city. I remember a short guy who hit me so hard I wet myself inside my cup.”
“Fumble!” Leo says.
Leo wears a track suit to watch sporting events. This evening’s garment is navy blue velour with a thin burgundy stripe. It’s very handsome. I won’t compliment him on it. If I do, he’ll buy me one.
“Can’t anyone catch a pass? That’s twice he’s been open.”
End of the third quarter. There’s a break in the action and the television screen is taken over by new cars, great beers, discounts on long-distance calls, more new cars. Leo lights a cigar. “Want one?”
“No thanks, sir.”
He mutes the TV with his remote and turns to look at me. He’s still got all his hair, keeps it short, that’s how much he has. And he’s in good shape for a man his age — skinny but not feeble. His hands don’t shake, his eyes are clear, and his voice is strong. Don’t know why he doesn’t get out more, but I guess that’s his business.
“So, Joe, how are things?”
“We have a bit of excitement tonight. Margo’s a little concerned.”
“Miss Traynor? Always liked that girl. She started what, eight years ago?”
“Something like that, sir.”
“Nice girl, brown hair, the same shade as my first wife’s, bless her heart. What’s she worried about?”
“Security for a guest with a lot of cash.”
“You can handle it.”
“She was just wondering if there was anything more you wanted her to do.”
“Tell Miss Traynor I have the utmost confidence in her.”
“Yes, sir, I’ll tell her.”
“Want to watch the last quarter?”
“I’d better get back, sir. I’m bringing in an extra man for the night.”
“Good, you do that.”
I head for the door. One of the maids, Raquel, I think, is turning down his bed. Leo probably gets two chocolates.
“Our guest with all the cash?”
“Yes, sir, it’s a Mr. Buznardo. He inherited a lot of money.”
“He did more than that. He’s got a hundred charities scared witless they’re going to lose their funding. He’s putting at least a thousand people who’ve been nursing at the Prescott Holdings teat for twenty years out of a job, and he made Wade Hubble look like a grifter in front of the whole country.”
“All that?”
“Took him two years in court against some of the highest-priced legal talent in the city.”
“He must have had a good lawyer.”
“Buznardo? Ha! He had Alvin Neagle handling it.” Leo shakes his head. “I remember when Alvin was chasing ambulances. I guess some people rise to the occasion when they know they might win the big one.”
“Maybe I’d better get some rent-a-cops. Sounds like Buznardo might have made a few enemies.”
“Well,” the old man says, reaching for his brandy, “you can’t be responsible for a man with a half-billion dollars. People like that have to learn to insulate themselves.” He spreads his arms to indicate his own comfy fortress. “Come on up on Sunday. Green Bay’s playing the 49ers.”
“I’ll try to make it, sir, thanks.”
“We can have a pizza.”
“Sounds good,” I say, heading for the door. “Good night, sir.”
Raquel, I think it’s Raquel, is running his bath now.