8 Games

A Novel by

Leonard Wise

Author of DIGGSTOWN

8Games

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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CHAPTER ONE

Every morning the ray of hope came through the small windowpane, in between the jail’s bars, and down into the palm of his out-stretched hand. It was the only comforting trace of the outside world he had seen for two years. It took the sun a mere eight minutes to pass through the narrow space between the peanut mill and the second floor of the County Sheriff’s house before disappearing until the following morning. If it was overcast or raining, Conner Anton Landon, better known as Cal, would spend the day in shadowy darkness with his thoughts, his longings, and the vision of Lacey McCall's angelic face. It was their love that brought him back to Peach Park, forced him to return to Georgia after he had ripped off the citizenry for over twelve million dollars with a swamp scam.

#####

The Cotton Café, a three-generation family business, was a quaint coffee shop on Main Street that boasted of its fish gumbo, buttered grits, and fresh fruit cobblers. Chunky Antebellum Peach was a favorite dessert of many, but Cal Landon preferred a hot blueberry deep dish with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was the first eating place he had chosen when he arrived in Peach Park two years earlier. That first week, he was having his portion when four young ladies, in their early twenties, entered the café. Not noticing the others, he focused on the silent, serene one with long, lustrous black hair and twinkling blue eyes. The other three all smiled at Cal, having heard that he was a young millionaire businessman who had come to enlarge, improve and beautify their town.

When the four girls approached Cal’s table, the three introduced themselves and began to proclaim how excited everyone was to have him there.

And who are you? Cal asked, pointing at the passive one. She’s Lacey McCall, Betty Lou, the plain, gangly blonde announced.

I like the name Lacey.

She barely glanced at Cal, and then walked away to select a table in another part of the eatery.

When the patriarch of the town, Mr. Tavis Quinn, who was always clean-shaven and immaculately dressed, entered the café, the girls instantly ceased chatting and move quickly away.

Good day, Mr. Landon, Tavis said, taking a seat.

That Lacey McCall is gorgeous. What’s the story with her?

She’s very gorgeous and extremely intelligent. However, she just happens to be my son Ronny’s intended.

Intended to do what?

Eventually marry, of course. They’re both in their third year in state college, so the nuptial has been postponed for a while.

Maybe permanently.

Quinn chuckled and said, You don’t have a chance with her. Stick to your business. And speaking of that, I’ve received all the necessary papers. Your Mr. Harrington, whose reputation is impeccable, has responded in your favor. Your construction company has been validated, and I’ve noticed that your workers and equipment are starting to arrive. How long do you estimate it will take to drain the land north of the Okefenokee and fill it in so we can start building on it?

How long do you estimate it’s going to take you to cough up your share of the money so we can start the work?

Did you speak with my accountant?

Don’t try to hustle me, Quinn. I’m well aware that you’ve conned your way into owning most of this town. I don’t care how good you think you are, I’m not one to be hustled. I’m strictly business, and you swore to me that you were, too.

Mr. Landon, do you doubt me?

Yes, I do, and I’ll doubt you until we get the check and it clears. Now, if you’re going to continue to stall, procrastinate, and dawdle, I’ll pack up my men, my equipment and haul ass out of here. It’s up to you.

I’m sure you can understand why I had you authenticated. Now that I have, we can begin to advance. I’ll have my accountant draw up the necessary agreement between you and I. Once they’re signed, the check will be forthcoming.

The check has been forthcoming for over a month now. Would you like to know how much I’m out of pocket bringing those men and equipment here?"

I did want to question you about your men and equipment. Those two bulldozers are a bit rusty and rather old. And they were rented second-hand.

So? They work, I’m responsible for them and I paid for them; you didn’t.

And a few of your men appear to be mere boys.

They’re college graduates with high-tech engineering degrees; and they can prove it. I’ll bet you anything they’re smarter than ninety-nine percent of the men in this town.

I wouldn’t doubt that. Most of the men in this town didn’t even finish high school.

Alright, Quinn, I’ll leave it up to you. We’ll just relax and enjoy your southern hospitality and the deep dish pies until you’re through checking on me and are ready to let us get to work.

During the following two weeks, while Cal waited for Quinn and the accountant to come through, he found himself pursuing Lacy McCall. He learned from one of her friends that she was spending a great deal of her summer vacation doing research at the local library.

Hi, there, Cal spoke privately. It’s Miss McCall, isn’t it?

Yes, she said softly, so as not to disturb the others.

May I join you? I have a quick question.

Lacey hesitated, and then nodded at the chair across from her. Cal sat, and was immediately mesmerized by her face. Her eyes. Her lips. Her presence. When he remained speechless, Lacey asked, What’s your question?

I, ahh, I can’t, I forgot it.

Lacey chuckled. Mr. Landon, you’re going to have to be a lot sharper than this if you’re going to out-hustle Tavis Quinn.

What makes you think I’m hustling him?

You’re not so far, because he hasn’t given you the check. So as of right now, it’s pretty much a stalemate; wouldn’t you say?

Sorry to disappoint you, Miss, but I’m not a hustler. I’m strictly a businessman trying to do something constructive for your town.

How noble and unselfish of youit would seem.

I’ll take that as a compliment.

Whatever turns you on.

Staring at her, Cal said, Everybody is absolutely correct about you. You probably are the most intelligent young lady in Peach Park. And maybe even in the entire state of Georgia.

If you’re looking for an argument, I suggest you get a different subject.

Wow! You frighten me. You do, but not enough to scare me away. Don’t be surprised if we end up getting married someday.

I don’t think so. You’re thirty-one and I just turned twenty.

But you’re twenty going on forty. However, you’re going to learn something today that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Age, between two people, is relative to how much fun they have. And you and I, Miss McCall, are going to make the world a better place, especially for each other.

You sound awfully sure of yourself.

No, I’m sure of you. I already admire and adore you, and I’m sure that some day, if you don’t already, you’re going to feel the same way about me.

When Cal stood to leave, Lacey reminded him that he hadn’t asked his question.

Let’s see, he said, pausing while continuing to gaze at her. What’s your favoriteanimal?

That’s not what you were going to ask.

Okay, what’s your favorite color?

That’s not it either.

How do you know so damn much?

Because, as you said, I’m probably the most intelligent young lady in Georgia.

Yes, you are. And the prettiest, the most charming, by far the sexiest, and the only one who could break my heart. Please, don’t, Cal said and exited the library.

A few days later he returned to find Lacey studying at the same table. She smiled at him. He didn’t return the gesture, but placed a colorfully wrapped package in front of her.

What is it? she asked.

Open it and see, he said and walked away.

After quietly opening the box and lifting the contents, Lacey said to herself, How did he know?

It was a white stuffed Polar bear, and a note written in lavender, her favorite color. It read: ‘Polar bears are white. Your eyes are blue. I ain’t neva gonna give up wantin’ you. So there.’

During the week, Cal had a dozen yellow roses placed on Lacey’s front porch with a note that read: ‘This is where you live; now where is your heart?’

Two days later he sent her a music box that played Cole Porter’s song, I Am In Love.

The following day Lacey drove over to Cal’s motel and suggested they take a drive. The minute he was in her Honda, she told him that she had broken up with Ronny, Tavis Quinn’s son.

That proves it; you definitely are the most intelligent girl in town.

When Lacey asked his intentions, Cal’s extensive reply was, To love you, spoil you, charm and pamper you. Massage you, take walks in the rain, travel to exotic countries, buy you everything you want and need, and to finallywhip your ass if you step out of line.

WHAT!?

Cal was laughing so hard, he was almost unable to stop when Lacey kissed his lips. Gathering her up in his arms, he kissed her again and again all over her exquisite face. That moment began their torrid romance. A week later Cal went to the McCall home for dinner. Her parents were as warm, intelligent and outgoing as Lacey, and Cal said he could see where she got her magnetism as well as he chutzpa.

Taking Cal aside after coffee and dessert, John McCall admitted he didn’t completely trust him, but since Lacey had fallen in love, he would accept it. And then looking straight into Cal’s eyes, he said, You sound sincere and I want to believe you are, but if you ever hurt my daughterbelieve me you’ll regret it. And needless to say, we’re both originally from the mean streets of New York City. Enough?

Cal knew exactly what he meant. But he had no intentions of doing anything but loving Lacey.



Another week went by and there was no word from Quinn or his accountant. Cal decided to pull a bluff without discussing it with Tavis. He had some of the equipment removed, and a few of the men, including the two young engineers. When a couple of the other townspeople, who had invested with Cal, learned of the removals, they complained in anger to Tavis Quinn. Unable to find out anything sinister about Cal, Quinn finally gave in and had the accountant pay the ten million he had promised.

The very next day there was no sign of Conner Anton Landon. Not that day, nor the next. No one was more furious that Tavis Quinn, or more hurt and chagrinned than Lacey McCall. She absolutely refused to believe he had lied to her and wouldn’t return.

For most of that night she remained awake, and as morning began to break she heard a neighbor’s infant crying to wake the household. Trucks and an occasional car were passing in front of the house and Lacey wasn’t rushing to see who it was, as she had been.

But nowsomeone had stopped. She went to the window. It was a Charlton County police car. It frightened her to see a man she recognized, Sheriff Elroy Pulley, walking up to the porch. She feared it was something about Cal. Going downstairs, she opened the door. She didn’t have to say a word. It was all in Sheriff Pulley’s grinning snarl. We got ‘im. He musta come back for you, But he ain’t neva gonna see you again. We figgud he’d bring his dumb, stealin’ ass back here. We caught ‘um just down the block a minute ago, heading right for ya. I thought I‘d tell ya. Ha!

#####

Cal was thrown into a foul-smelling, basement cell with only a steel cot, the narrow window at the top of the back wall, a toilet that ran incessantly, and a rusty sink that dripped, dripped, dripped. The floor of the cinder-block cell had rotting plank boards with every conceivable pismire varmint including water bugs, fleas, and rats, making themselves at home. The minute he was in the cell, Cal began to tend to his wounds. On his transfer to the jail, Sheriff Pulley had taken the liberty to hand-cuff and beat him with a night stick. Afraid of infections, Cal immediately cleansed the open gashes as best he could.

Within the initial hour, Boss Tavis Quinn came to the jail to pay his respects. Good morning, Mr. Landon. They say the criminal always returns to the scene of the crime. Until now I always assumed that was some inept lawman's fantasy. However, you always were rather predictable.

What crime?

I see that during your ineffectual flight you haven't lost your sense of humor. You're going to need it if you don't return every dollar of my money.

Your money? I won that money fair and square. You just fancy yourself as a better con-man than me. Where is your sense of respect for the art of scamming?

I have no intentions of debating this matter with you, Landon. I want the money returned or you'll die down here

Is that a prediction, or a threat?

Accept it any way your want. However, out of respect, we will cut you up, burn your parts and scatter the ashes on a garbage dump.

The money's gone, Tavis. Split up with the men and they've disappeared.

Well, I certainly have no intentions of denying you your right to make a phone call. Sheriff Pulley, give this convict his phone call. If he fails to produce any positive results, return him to his cell and place him on a meager ration of bread and water until he decides to make amends. And he’s to have absolutely no visitors.

Cal said, I've seen some sore losers in my time, Tavis, but you're out of control.

Quinn chuckled and replied, I'm not the one in jail. Losers go to jail. Some even die there

People know I'm here, you know?

No one who cares. And the few who do, can't do anything about it.

What about a blanket?

Quinn looked past him into the cell. Sheriff Pulley, give this man a phone call and a single blanket.

What about

Don't push your luck, Mr. Landon. Good day again.

Three days later Cal got a surprised visitor; Ronny Quinn, Boss Quinn's son. He was a tall, dark-haired youth who allowed his father to dominate him. Ronny was also in love with Lacey McCall and was dating her until Cal came to town.

When Ronny pulled up a chair to sit on the other side of the bars, Cal said, What the hell do you want?

I know we've never hit it off, but believe it or not I admire you.

Why don't you go home to daddy, Ronny? You've lost Lacey for good, so you may as well accept it.

The statement hurt him, but Ronny frowned and said, I don't mean this as an insult, but I don't understand why she would prefer you to me.

But you don't mean that as an insult? Cal chuckled.

Do you really love her?

Is there a steer in Texas...?

But you don't mind if I go after her?

Hey, if she prefers you to me, what can I do? I can't defend myself locked-up in here. But I have to warn you, even with your best approach and rap in private with her, you won't be able to come close to matching the love I've already given her. But take your best shot.

I do envy you, and I won't deny I'm jealous of you.

It may be hard to believe, considering where I am at this very moment, but a lot of people do.

Would you like for me to bring you something?

Why are you trying to be so damn nice to me, Ronny?

I told you I admire you and you obviously need some help.

If you really want to help me, you could always break me out of here. You'd get me out of town, and you’d have Lacey all to yourself.

"You wouldn't take her with you?

How could I if you ship me out?

Let's forget about that. Can I bring you something?

Oh yes. I'd love a triple cheeseburger with lettuce, pickles and a mess of onions, but your father will kick your ass if you do it.

Let me worry about that.

Be my guest.

I'll be seeing you.

Oh, and maybe a large coke with a couple slices of lemon in it. And French fries, of course. It's a funny thing, but the only time I crave junk food is when I'm incarcerated.

Then it must have become your staple diet. Ronny smiled and nodded as he left the basement.

Long, tall Sheriff Elroy Pulley and his inept, hairy deputy, Dean Mosely, would taunt Cal from time to time with lies about Ronny dating and screwing Lacey. It angered them when Cal acted as if he didn't give a shit. Once or twice they used this as an excuse to enter the cell and bash Cal a few times with their nightsticks.

Lacey's father, John McCall, an ex-Northerner, a Professor of Science, and one of the very few intellectuals in Peach Park, talked his way past Dean Mosely into seeing Cal one afternoon. When Tavis Quinn heard about it, he rushed over to the jail.

Is there something we can do for you, Mr. Professor?

Me? No, John replied. But I intend to report this prisoner's conditions to the proper authorities.

When Sheriff Pulley placed his hand on his gun, Cal said, You pull that gun, you worthless piece of shit, and you'll die!

Gentlemen, gentlemen, Quinn said, let's keep in mind that we're not savages here, with the possible exception of our very honored guest, Mr. Landon. Tell me, John, just what conditions are you referring to?

Sheets on the bed, proper food, stop the beatings, allow Cal to see an attorney, and get him out of this disgusting cell.

Or what? Quinn asked.

You'll see, John said and shoved Deputy Mosely out of the way.

John stopped at the steps.

Sheriff Pulley, Tavis said, get this man some sheets and some food. Is there an empty cell upstairs?

The cells upstairs are all full-up, or they will be when the trash starts cuttin’ up on Saturday night.

When John McCall asked about a lawyer, Quinn turned to Cal and said, It's my conjecture that under the present and awkward circumstances, Mr. Landon would prefer to defend himself. Am I correct, Mr. Landon?

Just get me the food and the sheets and keep these dog-faced cocksuckers off my back.

I'll cock-suck you! Pulley shouted.

Funny, but that was my very next request.

When Pulley pulled his night stick and started toward Cal, John yelled, Don't you touch that man ever again!

Pulley turned to Quinn, who, after a moment, nodded in agreement with John.

Why isn't he allowed to have visitors? John asked.

Quinn chuckled while saying, You've obviously already altered that dictate all by yourself. Don't request too much, John. After all, this man did swindle this town out of a great deal of capital. It's not so long ago he would have been lynched by now.

Not with you thinking I still owe you money, Cal said.

That's true enough, Quinn said, frowning at the smell of the basement. May we please adjourn this assemblage for the time-being?

John McCall nodded to Cal and went up the steps. Quinn waited for John to leave the building, and then he turned to Cal. We're going to give you your sheets, but you're still going to be on a decreasing amount of bread and water until you come up with what you owe me.

Believe it or not I've been thinking of a way to do just that.

Smiling, Quinn said, I had a feeling you would be. And, of course, the sooner the better for all concerned. I would certainly hate to have you expire while in my domain.

What a coincidence, Cal said. I happen to feel the exact same way.

I do believe our thinking is harmonious, Mr. Landon. Good day.

CHAPTER TWO

There are still many back roads in the State of Georgia, even though modernization has long since spread from one end of the country to the other. Bacon County Pike 7D had only been recently paved with thick tar and ragstone gravel. It was a two lane road that had left civilization far behind and drifted and curled out through the gray green countryside edging the cotton and bean fields while parting the vast land as it made its way from town to distant town.

Coming along Route 7D that brisk, southern morning was a late model Ford pickup truck containing two young men dressed in county road worker coveralls.