Jessie looked at him hard, trying to determine how accommodating she could be while still keeping a professional distance.
What is it exactly that youre looking for?
Right now? Just your time, Miss Jessie. Id prefer you not be such a stranger. Its been seventy-six days since you last graced me with your presence. A less confident man than myself might take offense at the long absence.
Okay, Jessie said. I promise to visit you on a more regular basis. In fact, Ill make sure to stop by at least once more this week. How does that sound?
Its a start, he replied noncommittally.
Great. Then lets get back to my question. You said before that you appreciated the joy that comes from having an unexpected visitor. Were you referring to me?
Miss Jessie, while it is always a delight to revel in your company, I must confess that my comment was indeed in reference to another visitor.
Jessie could sense Kat stiffen in the corner behind her.
And who are you referring to? she asked, keeping her voice level.
I think you know.
Id like you to tell me, Jessie insisted.
Bolton Crutchfield stood up again, now more visible in the full light, and Jessie could see that he was rolling his tongue around in his mouth, like it was a fish on a line that he was toying with.
As I assured you the last time that we spoke, I would be having a chat with your daddy.
And have you?
I have indeed, he answered as casually as if he were telling her the time. He asked me to pass along his regards, after I offered yours.
Jessie stared at him closely, looking for any hint of deception in his face.
You spoke to Xander Thurman, she reconfirmed, in this room, sometime in the last eleven weeks?
I did.
Jessie knew that Kat was bursting to ask her own questions in order to try to confirm the veracity of his claim and how it might have happened. But in her mind, that was secondary and could be addressed later. She didnt want the conversation to get sidetracked so she followed up before her friend could say anything.
What did you discuss? she asked, trying to keep the judgment out of her voice.
Well, we had to be rather cryptic, so as not to reveal his true identity to those listening in. But the gist of our chat was about you, Miss Jessie.
Me?
Yes. If youll recall, he and I chatted a couple of years ago and he warned me that you might one day visit. But that you would have a different name than the one hed given you, Jessica Thurman.
Jessie flinched involuntarily at the name she hadnt heard spoken aloud by anyone but herself in two decades. She knew he saw her reaction but there was nothing she could do about it. Crutchfield smiled knowingly and continued.
He wanted to know how his long-lost daughter was doing. He was interested in all kinds of detailswhat you do for a living, where you live, what you look like now, what your new name is. Hes very anxious to reconnect, Miss Jessie.
As he spoke, Jessie told herself to breathe slowly in and out. She reminded herself to unclench her body and do her best to look calm, even if it was a facade. She had to appear unperturbed as she asked her next question.
Did you share any of those details with him?
Just one, he said impishly.
And what was that?
Home is where the heart is, he said.
What the hell does that mean? she demanded, her heart suddenly beating rapidly.
I told him the location of the place you call home, he said matter-of-factly.
You gave him my address?
I wasnt that specific. To be honest, I dont know your exact address, despite my best efforts to uncover it. But I know enough for him find his way to you if hes smart. And as we both know, Miss Jessie, your daddy is very smart.
Jessie gulped hard and fought the urge to scream at him. He was still answering her questions and she needed as much information as she could get before he stopped.
So how long do I have before he knocks on my door?
That depends on how long it takes for him to put the pieces together, Crutchfield said with an exaggerated shrug. As I said, I had to be a bit cryptic. If I had been too specific, it would have sent off warning signs with the folks who monitor my every conversation. That wouldnt have been productive.
Why dont you tell me exactly what you told him? That way, I can figure out the likely timetable for myself.
Now wheres the fun in that, Miss Jessie? Im quite taken with you. But that strikes me as an unreasonable advantage. We have to give the man a chance.
A chance? Jessie repeated, disbelieving. To what? Get a head start on gutting me like he did my mother?
Now that hardly seems fair, he replied, seeming to get calmer the more agitated Jessie became. He could have done that back in that snowy cabin all those years ago. But he didnt. So why assume he means you harm now? Maybe he just wants to take his little lady to Disneyland for the day.
Youll forgive me if Im not as inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt, she spat. This isnt a game, Bolton. You want me to visit you again? I need to be alive to do that. I wont be very chatty if your mentor chops up your favorite gal pal.
Two things, Miss Jessie: first of all, I understand that this is disruptive news, but Id prefer you not take such a familiar tone with me. Calling me by my first name? Thats not only unprofessional, its unbecoming of you.
Jessie seethed silently. Even before he told her the second thing, she knew he wasnt going to tell her what she wanted. Still, she remained silent, literally biting her tongue in case he had a change of heart.
And second, he continued, clearly enjoying watching her squirm, while I do enjoy your company, dont presume that youre my favorite gal pal. Lets not forget about the ever-vigilant Officer Gentry there behind you. Shes a real peacha rotting, rancid peach. As Ive told her on more than one occasion, when I depart this place, I intend to give her a special send-off, if you take my meaning. So please dont try to jump the gal pal line.
I Jessie began, hoping to change his mind.
Our time is up, Im afraid, he said curtly. With that, he turned and walked over to the tiny niche of the cell with the toilet in it and pulled the plastic divider across, ending the conversation.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jessie kept her head on a swivel, on the lookout for anyone or anything out of the ordinary.
As she returned to her place, following the same circuitous route as earlier in the day, all the security precautions shed been so proud of only hours earlier now seemed woefully inadequate.
This time around, she tied her hair into a bun and hid it under a baseball cap and the hood of a sweatshirt she bought on the way back from Norwalk. Her small backpack purse was attached in the front so that it hugged her chest. Despite the added anonymity they might have provided, she didnt wear sunglasses out of concern they would limit her line of sight.
Kat had promised to review the tape of all Crutchfields recent visits to see if theyd missed something. She also said that if Jessie could wait until work ended, shed make the drive to DTLA, even though she lived in far-off City of Industry, and help ensure that she got back safe. Jessie politely declined the offer.
I cant count on having an armed escort everywhere I go from now on, shed insisted.