Cambridge English Readers Sereseditor:PiipProwse High Life, Low Life Alan Battersby QO GAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESSCAMBRIDGE, CRavensiry PRESS iy i Hoe, Cb C12 48, Rego Cars Uiveniy Pe ipa che ie of Combi, om by dss dag i hs ata, eng sd uch the ht © Cambri: Uniney Pr 208 This pubcaion iin copyih. Subject uti eit rege ny art may eae pce a ce wen 4 Cane Unracy Hose ae ia the Ui King by Hb the Pies Lad A cata md fis pabion a fm he Brit iary 154 9740526.748052 Pap the pea auy tt waa eel wth Pi Contents Chapter 1 Summer in the city 6 Chapter 2 Centra Park Wese ” Chapter 3 The will 15 Chapter 4 Beneath the city streets 20 Chapter 5 Inside information 26 Chapter 6 Ease Village 30 Chapter 7 Developments 16 Chapter 8 A death in the family 4 Chapter 9 The lost son found 47 ‘Chapter 18 Were che good guys 52 Chapter 11 Martha Bianchi 7 Chapter 12 Atlantic City 6 Chapter 13 Rain 69 Chapter 14° The Annie Clayton C %6CharactersChapter 1 Summer in the city They say if you dont like the heat, get out of the kitchen, New York, mid-July, if you donie like the he the city. Anyone who could take a vacation was in the mountains or on Long Island. Anywhere cooler than the «ivy: But me, [had work to do and dollars to cara, As [lee my apartment building in Queens, the heat hit me. ‘The emperature was already up in the cightics. Only seven ‘cock in the morning and I was sweating, Ie was going to bbe another one of those hot, uncomfortable days. Time t0 catch the number seven tran to Manhattan, The name's Matley, Nat Matley. I know the city of New York like the back of my hand. New York is part of me, its in my blood. During my fifteen yeas service with th York Police Depa the city. After leaving the NYPD, 1 became a private Taw the best and worst of life in investigator. Although I don't make that much money, Um ‘my own boss and I don’ have ro take orders from anybody. I prfer ie tha wa. At Grand Cen hurried our to 42nd Stet. ‘There were usually a few homeless people in the station trying wo make a few dollars ioved them along. When you make the ip every day, you get to know people’ faces. But today, I coulda’ see any homeless people. Maybe they were ‘out in the sunshine on 42nd Stret. al Station, crowds of office workers Suddenly a voice called out, “Hey, Nat, don't you recognize mee" V turned around. There was an old woman in an ‘xpensive-looking coat and skirt. It was Annie, areal New York character one of the homeless people Il known since 1 was a patrolman with the NYPD. “Do you like my coat, Nat I found it in dhe trash.” A winter cout in July? You must be boiling. I like dhe «coat, but you don't look too great, Anni. “Tm OK, Nat Anyway, a winter coats valuable so ie stays with me, sunshine or sow.” looked at her closely. There was something different shout het. I couldnt say what exactly. But she had changed, Sure yout feeling all right, Annie?” ‘Me, Nat? Never fel beter.” Maybe she was just exhausted fiom ying © cam a living on the stroets at her age. But something told me I should stay around. Tl buy you breakfast. Coffee and doughnuts” 1 offered Annie took my arm as we made our way toward the ‘main entrance. Suddenly she pulled at my jacket. ‘Hey, not so fast, Nat Just give me n my chest.” | looked at her closely. The sweat was po face, We hada walked far, but she was out of b Ihe my hand tightly. Her skin fle col ‘Oh my Goal” she cried. ‘She reached for her ches, her eyes and mouth wide open in pain, ‘Then she fell ar my feet, unconscious. A heartattack, [felt her wrist. There was no pulse. There was no movement from her chest either. She wasn’t breathing. | dldet have time to think. All that NYPD training came bback to me. First the breathing. Head back, hold the nose, ‘open mouth, check the airway. Close my lips over the ‘mouth, Breathe out, pause, and again, Then both hands on hier chest. Push down. Again, fifteen times. [looked up at the cirele of people around us, “Someone call 911, Get an ambulan done firs aid training?” L asked. A guy stepped forward nervously. aid course,” he sid “Stare with che breaching, chen we'll change over.” We worked on her for five long minutes. 1 felt Annies wrist again. This ime there was a pulse. And chen som ‘movement in her chest. At last, heard the sound of the ambulance siren, e! Anyone here ve just taken a first The ambulance men took over and put Annie in the ambulance waiting on 42nd Suet. I knew someone like her woulda’ have health insu ‘You taking her to Bellevuc Hospital?” I asked. “Yah.” ‘Here's my card. Any questions about hospical bills, cll them to call me.” How I would actually pay any hospital bills was another ashe ‘A police officer came over to interview me, As 00 lefe me, reporter from the Daily News tan up 1 me ‘Can I ask a few questions, sir? This is going to be a great story.” 1 didn mind, The story might be good for business, From Grand Cental, it was five minutes’ walk to my offce at 220 East 43rd Street. Most offices in the building, had their own air conditioning. Mine didnt, soit was hot ud uncomfortable. Ie was very quict in the office when I arrived, No prises there. Business is usually quiet in July. Even bad guys take vacations. Sella Delgado, my personal assistant, was already at her desk She looked tired and annoyed. ‘Nat, when are we going to get ait conditioning?” she asked. “Ies impossible to work, And look at the sweat on yoo shire” ve been on my knees at Grand Cental,” 1 said, ‘saving an old lady's life. That's hard work in his hea, I told Stella what had just happened. She stopped complaining about the heat. Let's go and sce how she is,” she suggested. [New York private invewtigators dont normally use public transportation, But Tan different. Stella and 1 took a faumber 15 bus downtown on Second Avenue then walked ‘one block eas to the hospital on First Avenue. I introduced myself vo the receptionist. The name’ Nat Marly. Um a close friend of Annie ‘Clayton's. She's just been admited to the emergency room. We have to sce her, miss. You see ‘Sorry. Family only in the emergency room,” the receptionist sid “Look, miss. She's more like family to me than my own sti, ‘That was true, I hada seen much of Mrs. Marley since the divorce.Tl call the emergency room and sce what they say,” epled the receptio ‘We were allowed t0 vis Sella and 1 waited outside an examination room where a doctor was checking Annie's hheart. Eventually the doctor came out and introduced henlf ‘Mr. Marley? Tm Dr. Fischer. The rules say family only a special cae, So you're the guy who Clayton at Grand Centra? You did a good job there “Ty she going to be all right, Doctor?” I asked Her face told me all IT nceded to know. “She's a fighter, bur she’s ad a serious heart attack,” she sad, Annie was sleeping, and we waited over an hour before we were allowed in to see er. She looked exhausted but she sailed w ‘Nat, is good to sce you,” she sad. “And thanks.” ‘Ic was nothing, Annie. I save lives every day.” I said. 'Nat, ve been thinking. I may noc have much time lf e. Te had heart rouble for years. Nat, cin you find me a lawyer? I want to make a will. | wondered what Annie had to leave anybody after she died. Anyway, I agreed to do as she asked. 1 knew an ‘excellent family lawyer, Wilma Patterson. I called her and she agreed to come over tothe hospital that afternoon, This was the beginning of the strange story of ewo okt ladies from the opposite ends of New York society ~ the high life and the low life, Two old ladies who had nes ‘met and whose lives were very different. This isthe story of 1 she sa mic. This morning was hhow thote lives came together. Chapter 2. Central Park West The next morning, my picture was on an inside page of the Daily News, with the full story. Ie read “Dying Woman Swed.” The story began: Yesterday, without the quick thinking of private ‘nvestigator Nat Marley, Annie Yorker, w yron, a homeless New have died at Grand Central Staion... Around eleven o'clock, a messenger arrived with a letter The address was written in very careful handwriting. I had 1 new job tte: To Mr. Nat Mark Investigation Agency. Wow, thar makes you look importa Sell Te leter was from Mrs. Joanna Whittaker, Apartment 1543, Century Apartments, 25 Central Park West. That's me expensive address. The Century Apartments were the last of the fashionable apartment buildings completed before the Great Depression of the 1930s. Te letter rad Senior Investigator, the Marley Nat™ said Dear Mr. Marley, T have just read about you in the Daily News. 1 would ike your agency ta do a special service for me I need a profesaomal Ido not leave my apartment, and I wish t0 speak to you inprivate. The doorman willbe expecting you. You may call on ‘me any afternoon between 12:00 and 1:00. Yours truly, Joanna Whittaker (Mr) “What do you chink, Stella?” I asked, “Interesting,” said Stella. “Shall we visit the lady? We could go now ~ nothing’ happening here.” For once, looked smart. I had put on a clean shire and my good jacket, which was just back from the cleaner’, Silla was wearing her new suit. We looked like complete professionals. ‘Stella, we've taking a cab,” I sai “A cab! Sure you're feeling all right?” she asked surprise. Td never fele better. We could be visting several million dollars so we had 0 look cool and fresh, Usually, 1 hate spending money on cabs, but if you want look good in July, you don’ walk Te was 11:30 and che traffic wasn’t moving much quicker than you could walk. 1 fle sorry for the cab drivers. We drove slowly across town and up to C uptown along Central Park West co Century Apartments ‘One of the best addresses in Manhattan, ‘When we got there I gave my name to the doorman, “Mrs. Whittakers expecting you Mr. Marley. But Pl have to warn her frst. Donit want the old lady to gee too excited” He picked up the phone. Nothing for over a minute. “This could take some time,” the doorman explained. lumbus Circle, then “She sometimes gets conftsed. Hello, I this Martha? I's Uiob in the lobby. I have some visitors for Mis. Whitaker Yes, Mr. Nathan Marley and his personal assistant Ms. Sella Delgado... . Yes, P'ilsend them up.” Inside the elevator, it was all dark wood, thick carpets vol mirrors I this was just the elevator, imagine what the apartments were like. Would I ever live in a place like this? (On my income, only in my dreams. [rang the bell of the apartment and vaited. A minute late, 1 rang again. Fsentually the door opened. A large middle-aged woman stared at me unpleasant. ‘You Mr. Marley?” she asked. ‘es, ma'am. With my assistant Ms. Stella Delgado.” "Show me your license.” 1 passed her my private investigator’ license ost inch ld und sh the oor in ry Be Another wait She cured, and witour a word showed into dhe ving room wean od lady wa waking ‘Me. Macy and Mis Delgado, how do you da Tn Joanna Whitaker Do sit down, Mant, ta for our m looked around the room which was full of beautiful 1940s fame, Nothing had Ben changed or years and fete | wasn anold Hollywood movie I wondered who woald valli next Cary Grant or Jun Cro? Martha reared wth caps and evo taps She dhs jc lock pened to cre vitor. Her thick, rg Bm eld he hwy tx things with efor tal “Asam or Dagsing tex, Mi. Maley?” asked. Mr Whitaker: Tas sure of she direc, but I wn about 10admit that, Assam, thank you, malam. ‘Tce sugars.” “Oh good! I like a man with a swect tooth, Just ike my poor husband used to have. And you, Miss Delgado: “Darjeeling please,” Stella replied. “My husband took this place when we were married,” said Mrs, Whittaker. “I've lived here ever since. At one time, chs apartment was full of laughter and happines, But since my poor husband died here’ juse been myself and Martha. Martha does everything for me I never leave the apartment. She's been with the family for years. She's almost part of the Furniture.” “There was a sound of glass bre Whitaker didn’t hear it. Someone dideit like being called pare of the furniture “Do you have any family?” asked Sella son and a daughter. They don't live in the city Charles in Albany and Bety’s in Syracuse. Ti like to sce more of them. Especially the grandchildren, but The old ladys eyes filled with teats, Stella took her hand, ‘She knew exactly what to do. im no good in situations like these “Now dont ry, malam. We understand,” sid Sela “Do you’... 'm sorry, Miss.” “No need to apologize,” Isai, Thank you. Tay allright,” she sid. ‘Then she looked at ime. "Now, Tom,” she sd, “lees get down to busines.” “Tom?” I asked, looking back at her. “Did I say Tom?” she asked. “Oh, silly me! My mistake You know, you look so much like my poor dead husband. [Now where was F? Oh, yes, Mr. Marley, [need a lawyer.” 4 Chapter 3. The will Mrs, Whittaker” I said, “Pm nora lawyer” 1 may be old, but I'm not completely stupid,” che old lady replied, “T want you to find me a lawyer.” ‘Wheres the phone book?” I asked. “I'll show you who veal.” ‘You donc understand. I wane you to find a good lawyer and bring him here, Someone [can trust. Is to do with ny will.” Mrs, Whittaker opened her handbag and took outa pile of hundred-dollar bills. I hads’t seen so much money in ‘one place in years. “What's your fee, Me: Marley? ‘one thousand dollars a day plus expenses. Bur not just now, malam. When I finish the job. I woulda’ cary all that money around, It could be dangerous.” We lefe the coolness of the lobby at the Century ‘Apartments and walked out onto Central Park West Ifyou done Tike the heat, find a bar. Which is what we did, A short walkthrough the park to the Tivern on the Green. Ne drinks and too many tourists, But it was close. That’ limportane when its hot enough co fry an egg on the sidewalk We sat in a quiet corner with a couple of cold beers and talked about the ewo women we had just met. “What a way co live” said Stella the sort of place I would choose to drink in. Expensive 5“Yeah. Can you imagine ie? Never going outside,” 1 replied. “As far as I can see, Martha docs everything for ‘Mrs, Whittaker. She looks as if she's got the strength. Strange woman, though. I wouldn't want to meet Martha con a dark lonely st Stella remained silent. I could sce she was thinking. “There's something very strange about Mrs. Whittaker, too,” she said finally. “She's gor Family, so why doesnt she hhave her own family lawyer? And I couldnt sce any photos of her children. Just wedding photos and pictures of her hhusband. Then she called you “Tam.” Who docs she think you are? Her husband returned from the dead?” “Who knows whars going on!” I sid, “But worrying about i isnt going tearm us any money. Lets go and find that lawyer Stel and I went back to the office and I made a call Wilma Patterson. By three o'clock we had made the sments. We met Wilma back at the Century Apartments and took the elevator up to the fiftcenth floor Martha showed us in without a word, “Ah, Mr. Marley and Miss Delgado. But where is my lawyer?” asked Mes. Whittaker. Wilma stopped her. “Mrs. Whittaker, 1 am Wilma Paterwon, senior partner of Patterson and Schofield, attormeys-at-Law “I dont believe you!” Mrs. Whittaker said sharply. Mrs. Whittaker,” I said, "Mes. Paterson is the finest lawyer know. Test Mrs. Whittaker looked at me doubiflly. I just nodded and smiled. Eventually she relaxed. ‘Wel, well. These modern times. I wasn expecting a lady lawyee. Now do sit down. You will join me in a glass ‘of shetry, won't you? Martha” Martha came in with bots and glasses. She looked angry. Mrs, Whittaker waved her away to the kitchen svihous so much asa “thank you.’ Swoet or dry, Mr, Maley?” she asked. I done drink sherry, but 1 didn’t want co upset Mrs. Whittaker asked for sweet. ‘A very good choice, Tom,” she sid, smiling. “Oh deat! There 1 go again, calling you Tom. Now ‘Tom always ‘enjoyed a sweet sherry. And you do too. Now Mr. Marley, if you would wait here with Miss Delgado. 1 have business to discuss with Mrs, Patterson in the library.” | knew this was going to take time. I made myself ‘comfortable and had a couple more shertes. Afier a while, Silla Fell asleep I started putting prices on the furniture in the living room and lost coune at $50,000. ‘An hout later, Wilma returned, looking worried. “Nat, we have a problem,” she said. "Mrs. Whittaker wants 10 make you rich.” Is that a problem?” I asked “Ie is when the son and daughter dontt get a cent. 've talked it over with her, but she wort listen. She wants ie all, to go co you, She read about you in the papers. Says you temind her of her late husband, Tom. Says she couldn't think of a better person to leave everything 0.” The door to the kitchen was open. Suddenly there was the sound of more glass breaking. Did Martha have a lor of Accidents, or was she listening to every word that was being, sail and didnt like what she heard? "So what happens now?” I asked. 7“In the end, I don't have much choice,” said Wilma. “A Thank you so much, ma'am. I'l enjoy te: Layer as flow the een’ instructions" lie “dont lke this" Tad. “Youve gor wo speak o the J] Mr. Whitaker gave me a big sweet smile. Almost like faily and aeange 2 mesting, Or che Tim going tobe in} she was in lve. I ightened me. She took my hand. Her the middle of family wa hand as all bone and paper-thin skin. At shat pong, just "Agned,” she replied, “But Tim aot making any J) wantd ge out ofthat apartment and never earn promises You'l enjoy living here when Fm gone, Tom.” she id Wilma went back in the library. Then T heard the sound. ff Martha was standing behind cxerybody. She gave Mrs of someone using an old typewriter. A couple more series ff Whittaker a long dark tok lac. was stating to gst headache I gor up and looked Finally we eaped inn the lat fernoon est. Ounide, more sly atone ofthe photos of Tom Whitaker. Fore ff] opened the envelope two thousand dlls in hundred something, a little fat, and losing his hair. Just like me, dollar bills. Not bad for one day's work. unfortnatdy, The sound of sping went on. At five Wilma Paterson loked wort svclock, Wilma came ou ask Stella to sign the willy ‘Nat, once the family finds out about the wil, thers witnes and the doorman was alld from downstaitsw be wo be trouble” she sid the second witness. A few minutes later, everybody was ‘Don't 1 know it!” I replied. “You've got co get the back in the siting room. Mrs. Whitake looked please arly nding, Get her to change the wl “Thank you, everybody” Mrs, Whitaker sid. ssi efor ay” Wilma replied Mare, your fee” Thanks; I sid. “I dost want anyone to thik tke She give me afr envelope advantage of confined od ladies” Mx. Patton has already given me her bill” Mes Whittaker gave Wilma another fa eevcope ‘Now before you lave. a present for everybody. Martha «Marta Martha emtered with 2 ple of large books in her powefl arma “In memory of my dear husband” sail Mis. Whivaker Uooked atthe tke: A Hitory of Whitaker Air by Tom Whittaker, Present. So that was where the family moneyChapter 4 Beneath the city streets By the time we gor back to Ease 43rd Street, it was pas sx o'clock. No point trying vo do any work. I wandered over to MeFadden’s Bar on Sccond Avenue. The usual crowd of Daily News reporters was there, doing what they did best ~ drinking T needed information and I knew just the guy who could help ~ Ed Winchester. He used to be the crime reporter at the Daily News, and he still did some pare Once a reporter, always a reporter. Nat, my old friend!” Ed said when he saw me. “You've arrived at just the right moment.” “Does that mean your glass is empty, Ed?” | asked, and waved 10 the bartender. “Jack! Sam Adams for me and a dink for Bd.” Te was ime work, for Bd to earn his drink, I rold him about four strange mecting with Mrs. Whittaker and the business of the will asked what he knew about the family. I knew 1 could depend on Ed — he had a very long memory. Ed took a drink and said, "Him ... Tom Whittaker, Now, hes the guy who started one of the frst regular air services between New York and Chicago in the 1920s. The business became very sucessful in the 1950s and 1960s. Then he sold it chink it became part of Pan Am. Fl se what ele I ean find out.” “So che family’s got money?” I asked. “Lots of it” Ed said. i had been 2 long day and I was getting a headache. 1 letc and took the number seven tain home co Queens. 1 cat much of the takeout meal I gor from the diner down the block, ‘That night, I lay awake for hours. Ie was lawn before I finally fll asleep. In the morning, I ida’ feel very active. I went off wo work like a machine. Not a thought oF an idea in my head. Take my advice ~ avoid Now York in July. When I arrived at the office, Stella was already at work. Inside, ie didn’ eel as hot as usual. There were two electric fans on her desk. I could sce through the door to my office. Another two fans ‘Moaning, Stella. Where did those fans come from?” I asked "Macy's," she replied. “I phoned yesterday. They were ‘We were lucky to get them, the last ones in the store. Here's the bill.” ‘What’ this?” 1 asked, “Two hundred dollars! Do you think I'm made of money? 1 cant work if T don't have the fans,” sid Stella. “I 1 cant work, I don't make you any money. Is as simple as tha.” | was about to argue when he phone rang. Te was Dr Fischer at Bellevue Hospital. Annie was asking to see me, Apparently, it was imporcant ‘When I got to Annic’s room, she was sitting up in bed, but she looked awful There was a visitor with her. ‘Nat, it good to sce you,” Annie said weakly. “This is Leona, an old friend. Leona, meet Nat. Hes going to help ime with some family business. And before you ask, Naty T'l pay you somehow. 2“L.wouldn't dream of asking for money, Annie,” I said. 1 was there to help out an old friend. Annie was already sick ‘enough without knowing what my daily fee was ‘Aman cant put food on the table by working for nothing,” Annie said. “Nat, I want you to go with Leona, 1e3 going 10 take you somewhere you've never been before.” In my fifteen years’ service with the NYPD, Tid been 10 most places New York Cig I wondered where Leona We lft the hospital and walked four ‘Mocks west to the subway tation on 28th Street. Then we took an uptown number six teain to 103nd Street and Lexingwon. Some New Yorkers never go further uptown than 96th Serect on the East Side. For them, anywhere north is like a foreign country. At 103ed S like another world, There are no expensive stores, good restaurants, or skyscrapers. The only tall buildings are the housing projets, low cost apartments built for workin People. The people on the steeets are mostly Aican ‘American and Latino, So what's new, Leona?” 1 asked sarees when I was a patrolman,” “Just be patient, Na oching yee” Leona took me across Lexington to an old building. Ie looked empry. But the door opened as soon as Leona knocked. A big man welcomed Leona, but then looked at ime with a cold stare, poimed, and asked, “What this guy doing hexe? Hes OK.” explained Leona, "Hes cool. Nats doing a lie job for Annie. does fee! T used co walk these she replied. “You aint seen {coma took me down some steps. At the bottom there was hole inthe wall and she led. me through it. T could Janly sce my and infront of my face ‘Where are we, Leona?” I asked. low the streets. This is the city you don't know. (Careful now there's train coming,” ‘A downtown number five train passed. The light from the train windows helped me sce where we were ~ the subway. ‘There were four train tracks, two uptown and two downtown and a narrow path beside the tracks. Ahead of us as a subway station, but no lights ‘Welcome to our home, Nat,” Leona said. “This station iw used any more, s0 we moved in.” Til heatd of people living underground in New York, but Wil never seen it for myself. I could see a light ahead. Home” was an old, wooden change booth, the type 1 remember from my childhood. A woman was sitting in an armchair by the door. Elie, his guy’ fre family business 1 pur some coffee on, You know what?” [said looking around. “You've got a nice place down here. Bever than my place in Queens. You live dow here all dhe time?” I asked. “Sure we do,” replied Ellie. “Cool in the summer and to keep warm in the winter. And we dont pay Hes helping Annie with some "Are you safe down here? “We've lived on the strcts,” Leona said. “I can ell you, lis safer underground. Everyone knows each other here. If fa seranger comes, we know about it. The subway workers know us. They leave usalone.” 3Leona started moving piles of black plastic. bags Underneath was an old metal box with a lock. “Nut.” she said, “Annie wants you to take this box to her” ‘Leona took me back up to the suvet. As Traveled buck downtown to 28th Street, I wondered how many more underground communities I was pasing on the subway. ‘Back at the hospital, I gave Annie the box. Then she ‘ook outa hey that was tied around her neck, unlocked the box, and showed me a photograph of a cheerful temage boy. 'Nat.” sad Annie, “this is my son, Jacke. 1 havent seen him in twenty yeas. want you to find him never knew you haa family.” 1 sid. “You do nov everything about me. I may not have long to live, Nat, and I want ro sce him again before 1 die We lived in a housing project in the South Bronx. Not a nice area. After leaving home, Jackie used 0 visit now and thea. Usually w borrow money. I new he wasn't a good! kid, buc he's my son. His father was the wop man in. an ‘office where I once worked as a cleaner. The sort of guy who tells every woman his wife docs understand hie. was lonely and we had a good time. He made me laugh, nd Jackie's the result.” “How old is he now?" Lashed. “Born in 1954, s0 about your ‘sw hiew in Rikers land jal in 1979, Hed bose stealing ‘cars and getting into fights. I's easy 10 find the weong ype ‘of friends in dhe Bronx. When I vised en in jal, he said he never wanted to sce me aga y heart, From thie poing, my life went eo pieces. Lwas fling realy low Annie sid, “I last Ww sake vial that's when 1 searted fiving on the strets of Manhattan. I had to escape, get out of the Bronx, and ong.” “Amything elie you can tell et” Lashed. once heard he was living on the Lower East Side,” she suid. "Working asa cab dei "A cabs driver, you say? If he had a police record he soulit ge a jb asa cab driver. His fll name?” Jackie Robinson Clayton.” Height?” Haske. “About five feet tem inches,” Annie said weakly. “Oh, tind hes gor a tattoo of a bird, the American eagle, om his lef ares. Whea you find him, tll him his mother wants ro sec him. Bring him here I's important.” TM do my best, Annie,” 1 said, “but don't raise your hops too much. This could bea difficult one.” Annie gave me the photo and locked the box. Then she shed me 10 take the box and key to Wilma Paterson's . She lay back on the bed, sweating and breathing, heavily. called the nurse, Annie looked more dead than aliveChapter 5 Inside information “Was he the wort of guy who lived for his work?” 1 thal ‘Not at all” replied Ed. “He was quite a ladies’ man ook at thi: Daily News, 1957.” Ted gave mea phorocopy of 1 newspaper story. Tete was | gocw MeFadderis Barat lunch time. Inside, it was noisy fom Whittaker at a table in a cocktail bar with thre and busy, but cool, thanks to the air conditioning, 1 | amazing looking blondes. Each one better built and beter realized Iwas hungry. T hadn't eaten properly since ff looking than Marilyn Montoc. Whittaker looked pleased ‘breakfast the day before. I ordered a steak with extra fries. ‘with himself. I could understand why. ‘As was cating, Jack, the areender, called me just look at him,” said Ed, “He could be your bot “Hey, Na, theres guy bere says youre buying him a ‘We might look ai, drink.” Hooke up. Ed Winchester was waving an empry dont have. Moncy and women” sha Fa went onto tell me that Tom Whinaker worked hard "Well, 1 guess I am,” I said. “Over here, Ed. And this ud played hard. Even after he was married he played bad beter be good.” cund with oxher wormen. I want happy marriage and “I like doing busines this wa.” sad Ed, “You buy me fhe and Mis. Whittaker probibly stayed together for the drinks and 1 find you informacion dhildfen, He sold Whittaker Air to Pan Am in the late Ed told me he'd been in the Daily News brary, reading If) 1960s, "Then be spent most of his time on City Island, up about Whitaker Ait. Ie was a good sory. Tom drinking and fishing, He died in 1974 Whittaker was an interesting guy. He ha been a US, Ai ‘Goodbye, Tom Whitaker" sai Service pilot and was shot down in France in the First ‘You're in luck, buddy,” said Ed. “When she dies, you World War, He was one of the lucky fow who made it ff can afford drinks for ewryone” home. When he got out of the ar sevice, he bought a Talked back to Fas 43rd Src. Sela was busy at the couple of exair service planes and started fying people I gomputer when Tatived athe oe. around the city. Sightccng by ait In dhe late 1920s be Hi, Sec” sid °Tve just been speaking to Ea.” sane an aidine busines. Flight co Washington and ‘Dont you mean peaking and drinking?” Sel eplicd. Chicago. He saw tha the farure was air travel. Dung Yeah, With Ed you car do one without the othe” the 19505 the riroads wee begining to lose psengers 1 old Sela everything Flared from Ed. the atines and Whitaker Air was taking a big share of You know, Nat, it frightens me ~ Mrs. Whitaker, then dha, that apartment,” she said. a“Uhhh. Like something out of a horror movie. “You said it.” Stella added. “And imagine never going ‘out, What sort of life is that? Mrs. Whittaker’ not right in the head, “Sh for me The phone hasnt rung all day.” said Stella, “Oh well Hm going 10 Century Apartments to see the fone person I know there who's not crazy, Bob the doorman.” 1 arived at Century Apartments and walked imo the lobby: The air conditioning was working perfectly. It was like walking into December. remember me?” [asked “Ah, Mr. Marley” he said, ‘Call me Ni Mrs, Whittake "Now, Mr. Marley. . talk about our “Would this help?” I asked. I showed hi litle. 1 also showed lot “Why, thank you,” he said, How does Mrs. Whittaker get everything she needs?” I asked “Martha docs some of the shopping, or the stores send things tothe apartment. Mrs. Whittaker isthe type of lady who likes to be looked afte.” ‘Does she get many visitors?" “Te been here five years,” Bob sai, “In that time, the isn if she left money to me,” I suid. “Any clients Td like to ask you a few questions about Na.” he said. “I really shoulda investigators license. That helped a m a fifty-dollar bill. That helped a ay vor Te scm ae het son and dah, Bren vgs only bee ede rou eT st ine se cn wu orto urs ge I omer Bess they wrth any to cy The ugh ay dagesent or secing” Si his Whitaker saw nobody expt for Mara hgh Nora hey wy feChapter 6 East Village Net {needed some information fom the Diy New. ut a eall hough wo Ea Winchester. Lucky, he was back from McFadden Ba Nate wha xn Ido for you” he wkd wo Gnd a guy by the name of Jacke Now and then th elevator breaks down athe office, This | Robimon Clayton,” Fad. “He ben in rouble, so here was one of those days. After walking up eight floors, I felt ff might be some news stories on him.” hhot and uncomfortable. ‘The fans didnt make much 1 gave Ed the information he needed. 1 crossed my Uifference, Fall couldnt come soon enough. cts and hoped he would turn up something. Thad phone ealls wo make. At last ral work ~ finding a The phone rang as soon as 1 put it down. Lieutenant missing person ~ Annie's son, Jackie. My fist call was to ff Brandstcin was doing a good job, Jackie Clayton was not in Police Headquarters. 1 knew someone who could help, ff jal anywhere in the U.S.A. We were doing well. 1 was someone I used to work with. That is, Fhe wasn't fecling If beyinning to enjoy myself. ‘This was what life asa private toio bad tempered * nvestigator should be like. I even forgot how hot it was. "Get me Caprain Oldenberg, will you?” [Now I needed some extra help. Joe Blaney was jus the guy. “Marley!” Oldenberg shouted, “I've got enough MM Me was a big cough excop who did work for me problems without you calling me. some 't sound happy in your work,” I said. “Listen, Joc, if Nat. Listen, my life is full of old ladies at the ving t0 find a missing person, a Jackie Robinson | moment. Tve got a strange client ~ a Mrs. Joanna Clayton. He's been in touble. He was in Rikers Island in Mf Whivaker. And Martha, who lives with het, is even 1979. He may be working as a cab driver now. Forty-six | sang. I need 10 know mote about them,” I gave Joe the years old, medium height the American eagle on his ee f_wory so fr with che adres and descriptions “Boss” Joe sid, "You sure do mee some crary peopl.” Je?” Obdenberg asked Lapen the neat morning looking around the Lower East “Nothing,” 1 said. “His mother hasn't scen him in Side, trying to find Jackie. Often, when you turn over a twenty yean. And Oldenburg, this isa job for an od ff) gnc, you find something unpleasant beneath it I can be fiend” the sme with fame. The more you Bnd ou, the more “OK; Mate.” sid Oddenberg. “But Ym not ling a ff die you discover was hoping this was going wo happen finger in his het Tl get Licuenant Brandscin wo doi” With Jacke: “is sing” I ad “pe him to check ifthe uy’ in No lack a any of ee cab companies or bas I vist prion, vl your Hw fr could yu ge loking for a uy in his ido uSing pho of him a enige?Fily, und stv on Ctl Set in Chinato i ene Ja Hevltmc yt a Vilage sue om rcs AB aC oe bn a iy. war al wae fin no ‘Vazac’s Bar on Avenue B. —_ lh hare a pic: Whe el i sto het, dhe had fae Heo a dark look. anaes “cop ose “Nob pit imesiguoe” Tahoe i my es 1g” he asked, The name's Maley. Just an honest bartender said, " * ms welcome. Do you talk to money? . i = Saat ata the bartender, z 1 dropped the ewenty-dllar bill onto the bar and walked wot knew Tompkins Square Park well, When I was a juolman, the park had been home to most of the Jess of the East Village. They wed 10 call the wnanity “Tent Cig.” Late, they were moved on, but « without a fight, and the place was cleaned up. I found the cab office. There were a couple of cabs parked ourside, 1 pretend to be a tourist The guy a the desk gave me a onous look. ‘Can you help me, mite” H asked. “im on vacation. First vist o the Big Appl. I want to hire a eab for dhe day 40 [can do some real sightsceing” The guy behind the desk looked as if he hadi sep. weuhed, or shaved for days. Hee smelled even worse than tne. He lie a cgarete then coughed for a full fifteen secon, Finally he was able wo speak ™ Mister, we dont hie cabs out fr the da.” he said Hey,” Fs “this eab company or what” 1 repeat, we dont doit. You stupid or something” One thing. was clear. Wiseman Cabs didnt want ‘scones. Certainly nor the sort of customers who wanted 4w hive cabs. They were in another line of business and 1 Ayan to knov what. I decided vo surprise him. *Me, Wiseman?” Lid How do you know my name?” *Could be something to do with the sign outside,” 1 lod and then continued, “Tim looking for Jackie Oh yeah” hed. “Wha do you wan wit hind” es prvae. Fay busines.” [said Well ic just s0 happens Tim looking for him too, and 8