“I’m going out for a drive,” Christine said to Vivian.
“This late at night?” Vivian said.
“I need to get away for a while. If you want me to bring back something, let me know. I’m going to stop at some fast-food joint on the way back.”
“Just don’t go near her,” Vivian said.
“Hey, no worries,” Christine said. “I won’t.”
At least, not yet, Christine thought.
“I don’t want anything,” Vivian said. “Thanks for asking. I’ll just help myself to a sandwich later.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in a while.”
Christine sat in her convertible in the parking lot at a Thai food restaurant in Sherman Oaks. She sipped some lemon-lime soda from a white Styrofoam cup that she held in one hand. With the other, she pulled out her cell phone from her handbag and speed-dialed a number, then lifted it to her ear.
“Dougie!” she said when the phone was answered. “It’s Christine! Huggie huggie huggie! How are you? How’s Miami? Boy, have I got lots to tell you. It’s incredible, you won’t believe it. How’s Tawny? Oh, lemme lemme lemme speak to her. Please please please! Tawny!” Christine shrieked in delight.
They talked for several minutes as Christine explained what had been going on.
“It’s really important,” Christine said. “This is why I’m calling. I would like to know if you and Dougie could come out to LA in a week’s time. I know it’s pretty short notice, especially since you guys live in Miami. Also, I’m going to get in touch with Jimmy in New York. I have a plan and it’s of utmost importance to me. So, if you and Dougie are able to come out, please let me know this instant. I’m going to need some help from you guys.”
“Sure,” Tawny said from the other end. “Why not? We’d love to. It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other. I think it would be worth it. What do you say, Dougie?”
Christine could hear Dougie’s voice in the background as he uttered his response.
“It’s a go,” Tawny said to Christine. “When would you like us to be there, and what’s the plan?”
“Well, first I gotta check with Jimmy to be sure,” Christine said. “I would like you guys to be here by no later than Monday, if possible. That’s about a week from now. I’m rather anxious. Desperate situations call for desperate measures, you know?”
“Whoa, sounds heavy. So, what’s the plan?”
“I’ll tell you when you get here. I don’t want to say anything over the phone, you know. Um, now let me see here. This is absolutely vital, no questions asked. You must drive from Florida to here and that’s a very, very big must. Whatever you do, do not fly. No planes, no trains, either. I assure you, you just cannot afford to go any other way except by driving.”
“Rad, man. Far out. What else?”
“Does Dougie still have underground connections in that black market thing or whatever you call it?”
“Of course, and he’s got plenty of connections.”
“Okay. Here’s what I need.” Christine explained what she had in mind.
“Geez, Christine,” Tawny said, whistling in amazement. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Christine said. “Anyway, I’m gonna get in touch with Jimmy in a minute. So, let’s stop for now and I’ll give you a call back to let you know what’s what and confirm everything we’ve gone over, okay?”
“Ciao, bella.”
Christine then called Jimmy.
“Jimmy! It’s Christine! That’s right, your pristine Christine! Shimmy shimmy shimmy!” She shimmied her shoulders and laughed. “How are you? How’s New York? Oh, indeed, it has been quite a while. Listen, I just got off the phone with Dougie and Tawny in Miami. Here’s what’s happening.” Christine reiterated her call with Tawny. “Now, just to be sure, I need to know if you still, uh, have underground connections, you know, with whatever it is you deal with.”
“Yeah,” Jimmy said. “And Dougie and Tawny are going to be in LA? What’s this got to do with me?”
“It’s got everything to do with you, man. I need your help.”
“I don’t understand the driving part. What’s wrong with flying or taking the train?”
“I was just getting to that. First, I need to know if you could make it out here.”
“Sure, no problem. What is it that you need?”
Christine told him.
“Now I see why you don’t want us to take the plane or the train,” Jimmy said.
“I knew I could count on you. Mwah!”
Christine called Tawny.
“Hey, Tawny. It’s a go. Now, by the time Monday rolls around, I’ll have rented a very nice penthouse—or a presidential suite—at a hotel for all of us. We’re going to be there for an indefinite period. I’ll get us the best suite with the best room service at the best hotel . . . with a killer view.”