A Gambling Man by David Baldacci (ebook audio reader .txt) 📕

got its marching orders. They searched for and found that bit of land just at the waterline barely three miles out and built what they called a ‘rapid response’ site on it. They had docks big enough for PT boats and even destroyers, like you said, and they also put radar out there and laid minefields for them subs, and had observation towers and God knows what else. They even had a runway there to land planes. And I saw them ship out a big gun, too.”

Archer thought back to the remnants of the Mark VI railway gun and nodded. “Right. Then what happened?”

“Well, it operated all throughout the war. Kept the Japs off the coast here, I can tell you that. Would hear guns firing out there from time to time, see the sky all light up. Took a boat out once just to see and nearly got run over by a destroyer. Last time I did that. Then, like I said, about six months ago, it all went away. Ships went out there and pretty much dismantled the whole thing. I took my boat out and watched them do some of it. Pretty interesting.”

“Who owns it now?”

“Now that’s a fair question, young man.” The man’s eyes danced with a bit of excitement. “But I will tell you that some folks have been ferrying back and forth to that spot over the last few months.”

“What folks?”

“Well, that I’m not sure about.” McKenzie suddenly looked perplexed.

“What?” said Archer, who had noted the man’s change of expression.

“Well, I hadn’t given it much thought before, but your asking made me think.”

“Think of what?”

“We had a mayor, a good one, name of Ben Smalls.”

Archer tried to keep his features unreadable. “Right, I think I heard about him. Didn’t he have an accident in his house?”

“He drowned in his bathtub, poor fellow. He was a good mayor. Nice, polite young man.”

Keeping his voice calm, Archer said, “But what made you think of him?”

“See, he rented a boat from me about, oh, two months ago. No, I take that back. It was my wife’s birthday, so it was six weeks ago. Anyway, he went out to that there island.”

“How do you know that?”

“’Cause he asked me how to get there.” McKenzie eyed Archer. “Hey, now, did you go out there the other night? Just asking, ’cause your fishing story sounded, well, fishy.”

“Like I said, I almost ran into it. But as you know, it’s not on the map you gave me.”

The man’s suspicious look faded. “Oh, that’s right, sure.”

“Did Smalls say anything to you when he got back here?”

“No, but he didn’t look happy. I remember thinking, what’s he all riled up about? Anyway, couple weeks later he’s dead and buried. Makes you think, you know.” He snapped his fingers. “We can all go just like that. Have to enjoy every day we got, yes sir.”

“Right,” said Archer. “Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of this day.”

Archer got back to the boardinghouse just in time for Callahan to confront him on the stairs.

“Where the hell have you been? I’m going to be late.”

“Late? For what?”

She tapped her high heel impatiently. “It’s Friday, Archer. You were going to drive me to Midnight Moods so I can sign my contract. And then I’ve got to start rehearsals.”

“Damn, that’s right. Okay, I’m ready. You got your stuff?”

“I’ll be down in five minutes, and then you better drive like you mean it.”

*  *  *

“Wow, Archer, look at that!” said Callahan.

They were on the road to Midnight Moods and had come upon a billboard with her picture along with the caption, IF YOU LOVED LIBERTY BONDS, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE HER. COME SEE LIBERTY CALLAHAN’S DEBUT AT MIDNIGHT MOODS, FRIDAY AT TEN SHARP.

“That must have gone up pretty recently. I was out there this morning and didn’t see it.”

She glanced at him. “And they used your idea.”

“You’re famous,” said Archer. “Just don’t forget me on the way up.”

“Don’t be silly…whoever you are,” she said, slapping his arm, but her gaze was riveted on the billboard. Archer cut his speed so that she had longer to look at herself. He just had to grin watching the woman gazing at her image.

They parked in front of Midnight Moods, which was fairly empty at this time of the day. Later tonight it would be a different story, with large crowds coming to see the woman sitting next to him.

On the side of the building was Callahan splashed twenty feet high.

“That wasn’t here this morning, either. They’re really giving you the star treatment.”

“Well, I’ll show them that I’m worth it.”

“So, you ready?” he said.

“I’ve been ready for a long time, Archer.”

They met with Dawson in her office, where Callahan inked her deal. Callahan showed Dawson her outfits, and the pair settled on a slick, silver sleeveless number with fringe along the short hem.

“So does your agent there get his ten percent or what?” asked Dawson.

Callahan shot Archer a surprised glance. He held up his hands and said, “I was just being a friend. I don’t want any commission.”

“Okay. We can go into rehearsals now. Later, we got a gal to do your hair and makeup. The stage manager will do your sound check and make sure the acoustics are good. I don’t know if you know, but we’re charging five dollars admission into the theater for folks to see and hear you.”

“How are sales?” asked Archer.

“We sold out,” said Dawson. “Now I hope people show up.”

“Why wouldn’t they?” said Callahan.

Dawson glanced nervously at Archer and said, “We had some more trouble last night, but I think it’ll be fine. Did you like the billboard we put up?” she added quickly, no doubt noting the puzzled look on Callahan’s features. “And the one on the building?”

“Oh, yeah, they’re terrific. I’ve never seen myself that big.”

“Where’s her room?” asked Archer.

“Follow me.”

The room was on the second floor near the end of the hall.

“What do you think?” asked Dawson.

It was a four-room flat with a full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom,