Free Swingin' in the Rain by Eileen Davidson Page B

no one can see anything. Or any one for that matter. Nobody ever admits to going in there. But, well...it’s
always
full. If you know what I mean.”
      “I know what you mean. And this is all very shocking in an interesting and perverse way. But what does it mean?” I asked. “If you’re trying to tell me that Randy had some kinky sex habits, okay, I get it. Obviously, he had changed, because believe me he wasn’t into this stuff when we were together.” I was getting exasperated. “Why did you want me to see this? What does Randy’s death have to do with all of it?”
      “I told you before. I don’t know anything about Randy’s death, Alex.” Patti hesitated before she added, “I just thought you should know.” She seemed frustrated and resigned. “Follow me.”
      She furtively looked around and then led us to a dark corner. A door marked: Office with no window next to it was there. “I’m going to get a drink. I’ll be right back.”
      “Wait a sec. You can’t just leave us! Is this another theme room? Someone’s playing secretary in there or something?”
      She looked around again nervously. “Look, I’ve told you everything I know. I gotta go.”
      “Wait, Patti! What do I do now? What about...” But she was gone.
      George and I looked at each other.
      “Now what?” He asked me.
      We were alone. No Tonya. No Patti. “I guess we go in.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN
     
     
      I turned the knob and slowly opened the door, not sure what we’d find in there. I half expected to see couples playing CEO and secretary games. But I was happy to see it was just an office. I let out a sigh of relief.
      “What’s in there?” George whispered behind me.
      “Nothing that I can see. Just a desk, sofa, bookcase. It’s an office.” We both stepped inside and closed the door behind us. “For some reason Patti wanted me to come in here.” I gave the place a quick once over but couldn’t see anything. It was too dark. “I’d better nose around a little. Wait outside, George, and be my lookout. Knock twice if anyone comes by.”
      “I don’t want to wait outside. What if someone wants to do something with me in one of those rooms?”
      “Deal with it.” I grabbed his hat and put it back on his head, then shoved him out the door.
     
      
       I stepped further into the room and found a desk lamp. I turned it on and the room was bathed in a dim light. There was a long table behind the desk with papers on it. I was rifling through them when I heard two quick knocks. I ran to the door and slowly opened it. George was standing there. Alone.
      “What?”
      “Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you’d come out if I knocked.” I gave him a look and closed the door again.
      I went back to the papers but couldn’t find anything of interest. It looked like cost sheets and other business related stuff. Nothing I recognized. I opened a few cupboards and pulled out some clothing.
      “Ewww.” I dropped them when I realized what they were.  A policeman’s uniform--probably used for the Jail room. Lovely.
      I went to the desk and started opening up drawers. There was nothing of interest in the first three, except one had several packs of cigarettes. There was one more drawer at the bottom I hadn’t gone through. I opened it and found files. Four were bound together.  Each cover page had a large fleur di lis printed on it but a different name directly beneath. I quickly looked over the name:, Cliff Dweller, Bobby McBalls, a few others. Were these people kidding? I put the files away and heard two quick knocks, again. This time they were more urgent. I peeked out the door. George came bursting in.
      “You’re not going to believe who I just saw going into the Doctor’s Office!”
      “Who?”
      “My dentist! How crazy is that?”
      “Your dentist? What? Did he see you?”
      “No. I don’t think so. I pulled my hat down. He was with his wife! Oh my God. I can