Chapter 4
Ellie loved her job, and she was particularly good at it. When she had decided that she wanted to quit modeling, writing was what had come to mind. She had gone to college and majored in journalism, but the allure of the camera had enticed her.
Eleanor had hoped she would follow in her footsteps, but acting was not something she wanted to do. She had started modeling right after college because she was determined to get an education first.
Her time in the spotlight had been exciting, heady, and exhausting. She had met several people, gone to bed with one or two guys, but nothing serious enough to make her want to settle down.
Her parents' life was a deterrent. She had also seen how marriages tend to get broken after only years and the ugliness that always seems to follow behind that. Couples who had declared their love for each other and pledged vows fighting like cats and dogs. She wanted someone who was going to be with her for the long haul.
The magazine had hired her because of who she was. A former model and the daughter of Eleanor Bailey. She had resented not being hired based on her qualifications but had been determined to prove herself.
But over the two years, she had proven herself to the editor and the others working alongside her. At first, she had been given fluff pieces which took very little thinking and not enough effort until she had demanded to be put on real stories.
Heartfelt pieces, stories that people could relate to. The editor had reluctantly sent her to interview a mother who had lost her sons to gang violence.
She had practically moved into the woman's house, determined to get to the bottom of it. She had gotten to know Joan and the woman she was and the one she had become after the staggering grief.
The story had been written from the woman's point of view. Joan had been forced to work three jobs to take care of her sons and in the process, the boys had been left to their own devices. The system had failed them and as a result of that, the boys had become just another statistic.
Ellie had written a very moving piece that had sent the ratings through the roof. The editor had not hesitated to put her on another assignment after that. Now, she had a column of her own.
She had rallied to get the Axel Lakeside story and was determined to do an exceptional work. It had been her idea to write something more personal so that people could see the man behind the success and the money.
With that in mind, she had set her alarm to get an early start to her day. First, she was going to swing by the Riverside café to partake of ‘their delicious omelet and buttered toast' and work her way through the town.
The mayor had agreed to take time ‘from his busy schedule' and talk to her. The man sounded like a pompous jerk, but she had experience in dealing with people like him.
He was in the spotlight now because of Axel Lakeside and she would bet her newest Romano's pumps that when Axel and his family had been going through their crap, he had not been there to lend a helping hand. Now he was milking the publicity for all its worth. Shaking her head, she went into the bathroom to get ready for her day.
*****
Axel did not have to keep himself busy or find work to do. He was always busy and had to force himself to take a down time. Work consumed him and building an empire had taken everything out of him. He had been hungry when he started and determined to make enough money so that he could take care of his mother and sister.
That had been his motivation, and he had kept it in sight whenever he faltered, or it became too much for him. He had to get them out of the squalor, it was up to him to be the man of the house.
His day began at four in the morning, no matter what continent he was on. And even though this was somewhat of a vacation, his body was still trained to wake up at four.
The men who had been working on his place had been dispatched to take care of the museum and some other jobs. He wanted everything done before the Christmas season and was hoping to be out of here by the next couple of weeks. He had some deals that required his personal involvement.
He surrounded himself with geniuses and had done the interview when he was looking for his management team personally. They were a mixture of men and women who were at the top of their fields and had not hesitated to say yes, when he offered them a position.
He paid very well, and the compensation package was more than satisfactory. He studied business strategies and had an uncanny knack of knowing when to strike.
Reporters as well as his rivals called him ruthless and predatory, he did not discount that. He had come from nothing, fought his way through many an obstacle to get where he was.
He had done so out of necessity. His assets were scattered all over the world. He did not believe in cheating anyone out of their hard-earned labors. The IRS had investigated him at some point, but he had come out clean. He also believed in paying his taxes and giving the government its due.
He contributed to several charities and had personally backed the recent candidate for the White House, not because he was looking for special favors, but because he had read the policies and liked what the man had to say.
He despised politicians in general, thinking of them as greedy and dishonest. He also hated that people – ones who would never have had anything to do with him if he was poor, were now bowing and scraping to him.
The hypocrisy of being handed the key to the city had not escaped him. When he had been living here in River Glades, the mayor and all the major players had not even known his name. People had looked down on them because of their poverty. Now they were treated like royalty. Go figure.
Toeing off his well-worn tennis shoes at the doorway, he went straight into the kitchen to pour the coffee he had put on before he went for his run. His clothes were sticking to his damp body, his hair soaked with sweat. Taking the coffee with him, he went out to the porch to stand at the railing while he cradled his cup.
The house was set on top of an incline that gave him an unrestricted view of the entire town. There were hills and valleys everywhere and rivers snaking in and out. It was early, much too early for anyone to be up and running.
And River Glades had always been a sleepy little town where nothing much happened. He was changing that. His acquaintances in the business world and the members of his club had never heard of the place, which was not surprising.
Its beauty was unspoiled, and he wanted to keep it that way. It was going to be his go to home whenever he wanted some down time. And the two most important people in his life lived here.
He could have bunked with his mother and sister, but he craved his privacy and had become so accustomed to living on his own, that he could not bear the thought of changing it.
Lifting the cup, he inhaled the strong South American brand of coffee he favored and felt the kick of caffeine launching inside him. He had meetings lined up for the better part of the day and the dreaded interview to contend with. His sister had called to tell him about their visit and that had sat well with him.
"We were just trying to play nice."
"As long as you were not there to make certain that she writes a favorable piece." His response had been slightly sarcastic, and Cathy had picked up on it.
"There is nothing wrong with that." Her response had been defensive. "You tend to come off as brusque and impatient."
"So, you and mom thought you could go and smooth things over just in case."
"Precisely."
"I don't need you to butter things up for me."
"She is nice."
"We'll see."
Finishing the coffee, he went back inside to go and take a shower.
*****
The café was delightful, the chairs and table a unique blend of the very old and slightly trendy. Ellie supposed everywhere had gotten a facelift, since their famous resident had started the restoration process.
They had not exaggerated the deliciousness of the omelet. The buttered toast was the best she had ever tasted, and the coffee was reasonably good.
The owner, a buxom woman of indeterminate age had served her, making a beeline for her table as soon as she entered.
She had been plying her with coffee and conversation, most of which centered around Axel and his family and his childhood. She was aware that people were eager to be included in the article she was planning on writing and that they were willing and eager to say or do anything to make that happen.
"Axel was a tyrant." The woman's name was Rosalyn, and she had dyed her hair a brassy red that did nothing for her florid complexion. She was also wearing too much mascara and the lipstick she had on was too bright for her complexion.
It made her complexion more florid and highlighted the thinness of her lips, but she was friendly, and her place was neat and tidy.
"Oh?" That was all it took for Rosalyn to pull out a chair and join her while telling her lone staff to continue serving the others. People had drifted in while Ellie had been enjoying her meal and had sent her curious looks. By now, the entire town was aware that she was here and why she was.
"Yes." Rosalyn bobbed her dyed head, a twinkle in her faded blue eyes. "I have known him since he was a little tyke. He used to come by here to try and weasel me out of a slice of pie."
"Was he successful?"
She bobbed her head again. "He was much too skinny, but there was a reason for it." Her expression became woeful. "There wasn't enough money for food and with that wretched father of his running off when they were little, Caitlin could barely manage to put food in those two children's bellies."
"I am sure that a small town like this with everyone knowing everyone else, people rallied around them and offered to help."
The woman had the grace to look ashamed. "We did not do our part much."
"And now Axel Lakeside is a very big deal."
"Yes!" Rosalyn fiddled with the salt and pepper shakers in the form of ducks in a pond, her fat fingers gripping the plastic. "We are very proud of him."
"I am sure you are."
Rosalyn peered at her as if searching for some hidden meaning. Not finding any, she launched into a story about Axel getting into a fight with the Landers boy right in front of the café.
"Who won?" Ellie asked mildly.
"Axel of course. He was skinny as a rake, but that boy had the strength of an ox, even at a tender age."
She went on to say more, but Ellie's interest had waned. That was not what she was looking for. Tuning the woman out, she let her gaze sweep over the other occupants in the space.
The café boasted a long counter where people could sit and enjoy their coffee while looking out on the street. Gingham curtains hung at windows, matching the tablecloths. The place seemed to be doing a thriving business as more people trickled in, causing Ellie to wonder if news had traveled that she was having breakfast here.
Finishing the coffee, she indicated that she was ready to leave, by pushing back her chair. "Thank you for your time."
The woman looked a little disappointed but rose and dusted her hands on the soiled apron around her ample waist. "If there is anything…"
"You have been very helpful, and the breakfast was delicious."
The compliment had her beaming in pleasure.
"Come back any time."
"Oh, I will. The kitchen and I have a hate-hate relationship, so I tend to stay away." With a wave of one hand, she made her way out, feeling the stares of the customers in the small of her back.
Making her way towards the park, she made note of the quaint stores, the wrought iron chairs and tables outside a restaurant that had yet to open its doors, the Irish bar with the four-leaf clovers blinking on the sign.
It was all so tidy and neat and so damned quiet. So quiet that it was unnerving. The air was cool enough for her not to turn on her AC.
She had been going for ten minutes, with just a few cars passing her, driving at a pace she was not accustomed to. The speed limit sign warned her to stick to twenty-five miles an hour, which to her was unheard of. Slowing down, she found herself wondering if she pressed towards twenty-seven, she was going to hear sirens behind her.
Deciding not to take the chance, she eased her foot off the accelerator until she turned into the deserted park. Major work was going on here and the remnants of work tools, work vehicles could be seen.
Everything had been heaped to one side, she supposed it was to accommodate the people who wanted to make use of the park. Alighting from the vehicle, Ellie was glad she had opted for casual clothing.
The faded denims, thin blue sweater and tennis shoes were comfortable enough to make the trek. The towering trees were swaying in the breeze that had sprung up and sent her back to the vehicle to retrieve her denim jacket.
It was already a lovely space, with the usual rides and swings to accommodate adults as well as kids. The trails were of particular attraction to her, and she set off, curious to find where one leads to.
"Hi."
She was so absorbed in staring at the trickle of water on her left, she failed to notice the young man jogging up to her.
"Hi."
"I scared you. I am sorry. I thought you heard me coming."
"No." She shook her head and felt the uneasiness pricking her. This was a small town, and it was supposed to be safe, but serial killers were known to move into areas where there were easy preys, and she was as easy as they come.
"My name is Tom McCleary." He stretched out a hand and she took it hesitantly.
"You have an accent." She retrieved her hand almost instantly.
"You have a very good ear." His blue eyes twinkled. "I own the Irish pub up the street."
Relief swept through her. "The one I just passed."
"And you are Ellie Logan, the journalist here to do a write up on our most famous resident."
"I suppose you could call me a journalist. Have you lived here long?"
He shook his thick reddish blonde head. He was tall and thin, with an interesting poet's face and lopsided smile. "I was living in Chicago working at an investment company when I was robbed and almost beaten to death one night while going home from work.
spent three months in the hospital and afterwards, had an epiphany. No more big cities for me. I wandered around for a while until I came here to just cool out. Like the place and decided to set up shop so to speak and never left."
"Sounds like an interesting story."
He grinned at that. "Not as interesting as the one you are about to write. Axel Lakeside is a phenomenon."
"Have you met him?"
"Several times. He is not above coming into the pub for a pint. He is not standoffish but does not talk much. He likes to be left alone." He eyed her for a minute, his gaze frankly admiring.
What are your plans for this evening?"
"I have no idea. I have some interviews to do and then…, who knows?"
"Why don't you come and have a pint or two? I promise to keep you entertained with stories of my life."
"We'll see. What time do you open?"
"Around three." He glanced at his watch. "Speaking of which, paperwork is calling my name. Looking forward to seeing you later, Ellie." With a wave, he was off and running.
Staring after him until he was out of sight, she decided to cut her exploration short. It was almost time to meet with the esteemed mayor anyway.
*****
Mayor Andrew Adelson was a rotund man with thinning hair that he tried to hide by a comb over. His smile was too charming and his voice too booming and forceful.
His handshake was dry as parchment and his blue eyes shifty, landing on her face and drifting quickly to her bosom as if wondering what was hiding under her clothing. Ellie disliked him on principle.
She was ushered into his ‘parlor' as he referred to it as in the municipality of the official looking building that also housed the courthouse and police station if it could be called that. He ordered his mousy looking assistant to fetch them refreshments, even though Ellie assured him she was quite full.
His office was large and comfortable, with pictures of him posing with several particularly important people. There was an eight by ten glossy of him shaking hands with Axel Lakeside as he handed him the key to the city. The man was as phony as they come, and she could not wait to get out of there.
"Well, young lady," he beamed at her as his assistant placed a tray of coffee and pastries on his desk. "What do you think of our lovely town?"
"Enchanting."
She watched as the assistant poured coffee into two cups and handed her one. She smiled her thanks to the woman and noticed that the mayor did not even glance her way. The man was a toad.
"I am sure you will be touting all we have to offer in that article of yours." He sipped coffee and eyed her over the rim of the cup, eyes greedily staring at her face.
There was a photo of what looked like his family on his desk and the poor woman looked very unhappy and tired. The children, a boy and a girl, were unsmiling as if they had been forced to sit for the photo.
"Of course."
"You are here to write up about our hero," he beamed at her, "Axel made us proud when he went off to seek his fortune."
"You were born here." She had the information at her fingertips and knew that he had lived here with his parents before going off to college in Boston.
"Born and raised." He boasted. "Never wanted to live anywhere else. River Glades is my home."
"You knew Axel when he was a child."
She also knew he was five years, Axel's senior.
He nodded. Putting the cup down, he reached for a sugared cake, something he should be avoiding at all costs. "That poor family – the father left when the children were little and did not return."
"You knew him personally." She already knew that too.
"I did," he nodded again, "we here at River Glades try to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate."
"Was that the case with Axel and his family?" She asked innocently.
He cleared his throat and picked up his coffee cup. "The family was very proud and did not welcome any outside interference."
"I see." Balancing the saucer on her denim clad knee, she stared at him. "So, it is safe to say that Axel made it without any help from anyone in River Glades?"
A flush stained the mayor's face, and he spent a few seconds silently debating on how to answer the rhetorical question.
"He left…"
"When he was seventeen, right out of high school," she nodded.
The mayor cleared his throat and drank more coffee. "He has made us very proud." With a smile curving her lips, she let the silence hang between them.