Wildflowers

The heat that day in Tucsan was predictable. Hot. Very hot. The kind of hot that you knew if your car got a flat tire between here and there, it would be life threatening. The July desert heat that prompted you to stay inside all day long. Jules looked out the window of the cheap hotel. A lonely tumbleweed blew across the sandy parking lot. Boredom was settling into her bones. Jules was a natural redhead, fair skinned and thin like her dad. Freckles kissed her cheeks and shoulders. Her long thick hair and intense blue eyes made her one of the most beautiful girls back in her small hometown in Oklahoma.

Nicky was suppose to be back by now. He left in the their new black ‘78 Boneville coup that he stole the day before from a Denny’s diner just off the Interstate near El Paso. He was suppose to be bringing beer and cigarettes but something told her there is was a problem. Nicky was a small time petty thief who hot wired a car now and then and broke into houses to steal some jewelry, cash or a gun or 2 if he got lucky, but Jules loved him. He took her away from her alcoholic mom and the revolving door of her mother’ shady boyfriends. Jules daydreamed of having their own place one day. She could imagine their kitchen where she would have a white lace tablecloth and vase full of hand picked wild flowers. As soon as they get settled he’d get a real job, maybe in a factory or garage. Jules stared out the window.. waiting, worrying and badly craving a cigarette.

Nicky had left Jules behind because she didn’t know they were out of cash. He had to make a quick hit before he could get some much needed supplies and enough gas to get to California. Nicky had those rugged bad boy type good looks, he was naturally fit and had a head full of chocolate Brown hair that stuck out from his Texaco trucker’s cap. He spotted a neighborhood and thought he’d scope out an empty house. With no car in the driveway he found a humble stucco house with a lone cactus growing in the front yard surrounded by neatly placed small landscape stones. The pattern was supported by bricks and 3 faded pink plastic flamingos were basking in the sun. He sat in front of the house long enough to scan the street for any movement.

Inside Miss Laveren Cherry Bronson peeked through the crack of her polyester avacado green drapes. Her pink house slippers stood on a mustard yellow shag carpet. She heard the Bonneville pull up to her house. It was 11: 45 am and Laverne was already on her second Bloody Mary. Her husband Frank died 8 years ago and his old station wagon was in the garage. She used it to get groceries, vodka and to go play bingo at the Ladies Auxiliary club every Thursday at 6:00.

Nicky had a feeling that the neighborhood was good and quiet, he figured everyone that wasn’t already at their 9 to 5 was taking cover from the smoldering heat, he approached the front door. Laverne didn’t think he looked Like a salesman nor particularly religious but did admire his shiny new car.

Nicky tried the door. It was locked. Just then to his surprised the door opened. Before she could ask what he wanted He immediately shoved the retired cocktail waitress backwards and produced a .38 snub nose revolver from his waistband. “Don’t make a sound and you’ll live to see another day granny” Nicky was out of his element now. He usually hits places at night when folks are either not home or fast asleep. Lavern threw her drink in his face and ran to the kitchen, the vodka from the Bloody Mary burned his eyes and the next thing he knew the he fired the gun. He looked down and saw blood quickly emerging from a cheetah print rope. Panic set in, he never killed anyone before and the shot was instantly fatal. He swiftly looked around the kitchen scanning the cabinets and drawers but not finding anything. he noticed she laid upon on a large kitchen rug and so he rolled up the body of poor Mrs. Bronson. Dragging her into the garage and ultimately stuffing her in the back of the the station wagon. He slid a gold wedding band off of her ring finger and put it in his pocket, then found $12.65 in her poketbook in the bedroom, and $165 in a coffee can above the refrigerator. He then found an almost empty bottle of vodka in the freezer and finished it off.

Jules was so relieved when she finally saw Nicky, he tossed a pack of Pall Malls on the bed. “Damn it baby! What took you so long” she threw her arms around his neck. “Let’s go baby girl, we’re getting out of this dump!” Nicky was still shaken up and was wringing wet with sweat. He grabbed the little stuff they had.

They returned to Laverne’s house, Nicky did little explaining to Jules. Basically just told her a friend is letting them crash there because his mom passed away and Jules didn’t question him. Nicky was waiting for night fall so he could drive the station wagon out of town and dump the body. Jules walked in and gave the place a once over. Nicky did a pretty good job cleaning up the blood on the kitchen floor, most of it was wrapped up in the rug with the body still in the station wagon. “I hope there’s a bathtub” Jules proclaimed.

Nicky was feeling sick and couldn’t believe that he had killed the lady hours earlier. He’s not sure why he fired the gun, a reaction to the stinging vodka in his eyes no doubt. Still it didn’t set well with him and he tried to stay calm in front of Jules. He went over everything in his head. Earlier he combed the house and realized she lived alone and doubted anyone would miss her. He told Jules if any of the neighbors came over to say they were family. After a long bath, Jules went over and sat on Nicky’s lap, kissing his neck and reaching inside his jeans to stroke him. “Not now baby girl, I’ve gotta go out.” “No” she wined “Stay here and fuck me” It was finally night fall and Nicky had that loose end to tie up. “I’ll be back Jules, then we’ll lay around in that bed all night.” He kissed her and then headed to the garage, the keys were conveniently under the floor mat. He pulled out the station wagon, and parked the Bonneville in the garage. Jules started scrambling some eggs she found in the refrigerator.

Nicky drove off into the night, and Jules settled into the living room and turned on the tv. The T.V. Guide sat on the end table and she decided on Colombo. She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, a tall man with a bright red western shirt was standing over her. “Who are you?” The clean shaven man that smelled like Old Spice and cigar smoke asked. Jules sat up and rubbed her eyes.

The man started through the small house calling for his mom. “Where is she?” He called out. Jules was concerned and desperately wishing Nicky was there. She knew nothing, she never questioned Nicky about stuff because she felt like she wasn’t ready to handle the full truth, she thought the less she knew about how he was getting their gas money, the better off she was. She was working at the Piggly Wiggly back in Oklahoma. One day Nicky came in there to buy a pack of bolonga and a loaf of bread. He charmed her with his innocent brown eyes and captivating smile and that’s all it took. She never looked backed. Life on the road with Nicky was much better then the bleak existence with her mother and the losers she brought around . Besides she truly believed she found her soul mate. The man returned to the living room and demanded to know what the fuck was going on.

Nicky drove far enough out of town where he felt like he wouldn’t be seen. He pulled off the road and headed straight for the nothingness of the desert. It was pitch black and he couldn’t see any light except for the light of the moon, he stopped and then went around and opened the back of the car. By now you could smell the odor of poor old Laverne. He drug her out of the back and rolled her out of the rug so that the buzzards and coyotes could start feasting away on the evidence. He then took out a Pall Mall and laid on the hood to look at the amazing view of the universe. He took a long deep drag of the cigarette. There’s absolutely nothing like looking at an Arizona Desert sky in the complete darkness, he gazed at the infinite stars that twinkled against the blackness, it was quite hypnotic. His mind wandered to Jules. He loved her so much it hurt. He figured they could leave in the morning for San Diego. He knew a guy from high school that went out there to join the navy, but quickly was discharged when he was caught screwing his commanders daughter. Now he worked at a garage and told Nicky he could get him on there. He wanted to do right by Jules and now that he’s actually killed someone, he’s vowing to go straight.

Jules panicked and realized the story Nicky told about house wasn’t true so she did the only thing she could think of. She lied, and you would have thought she was going for a Oscar award the way she carried on. “Sir I’m lost, I saw the light on and knock on the door, when nobody answered I tried the door, and came in and fell asleep, I’m sorry, it was so hot outside, I’m so sorry.” She pleaded. “I don’t know where your mom is, I swear she wasn’t here when I got here, I’ll leave now.” She stood to leave and he pulled her back. “Now just wait a minute, wait a damn minute.” He was taken with her Stunning features, scanning her up and down. “Let’s calm down, I’m Gene, and you are?” He probed. Her head was spinning. She grabbed a cigarette to remove herself from his clutch. “I’m Jules” she replied. He lit her cigarette and noticed her pouty lips and intoxicating blue eyes. She had no idea that her beauty was making him briefly forget that his mother was missing. “Where are you from?” Hows is it that you’re lost? He inquired. He had yet to noticed the Bonneville Coupe in the garage. Should she tell him about the car? How will she explain it? She nervously started puffing on her cigarette. “ Um, well, I was with my boyfriend, we were driving to California when we got in an argument, he was drinking you see, and he has a bad temper.” She lied. “He stopped at a red light and I jumped out with my backpack, he must of been really angry or drunk because he just drove off.” She continued “I stuck a my thumb out and got a ride right away, we didn’t go far, and I realized that I needed to go back and find him, but by then it was too late and I found myself here.” Pretty good she thought, pretty good. She looked in his eyes to see if he bought it. She knew Nicky would be back soon and they could get out of there and be on their way to the rest of their lives.

Gene stood up. “Well my mom wasn’t expecting me, I wanted to surprise her and take her out for a t-bone, she’s probably playing bingo, We will sit here and wait for her together.” He lit his cigar. “On second thought, I need a cocktail, better come with me.” He opened the door and motioned for her to come out. Hesitantly, she grabbed her boots and followed him out, after all, what choice did she have.

Nicky finally arrived hours later, he was exhausted and just ready to climb in bed with Jules. It’s been a long day. He parked the station wagon at the curb thinking it would look less suspicious then the Bonneville. The house was dark and the door was locked. He rang the bell, thinking Jules must of fell asleep. He went back out and used the garage door opener from the station wagon. To his bewilderment Jules was nowhere to be found. He glance at the backyard, which was fenced in, but it was empty.

The Sand Bar Lounge stood alone and was close to Lavern’s, so Jules had high hopes Nicky could find her. Inside Gene ordered a cape cod with a twist of lime. It was dimly lit inside by neon beer signs and orange bar lights. A juke box in the corner was playing an old Willie Nelson song. A smoky haze filled the small bar. “What will it be?” Gene ask Jules. Jules ordered a Coors lite. That was Nicky’s beer of choice and what he always bought them. She hadn’t been in many bars. There was a one by the Piggly Wiggly back home called The Starlite, her mom frequented it often. Just about every day as a matter of fact. Jules knew it well.

Gene found them a cozy booth and decide to have a couple of drinks to give his mom a chance to return from Bingo, luckily for Jules, he did not look in the garage and find a new ‘78 Bonneville Coup there instead of Frank’s old station wagon, so he didn’t really suspect anything just yet, he was keeping a close eye on her though just in case. “So tell me about this boyfriend of yours, will he be coming to look for you? “Can’t imagine leaving a beauty like you behind.” He said. Gene just thinks he’s an asshole, he doesn’t know he killed his mom and left her in the middle of desert where her carcass was being devoured as they spoke. Jules knew that Nicky would find her. It was only a matter of time. She just had to keep him calm and away from the garage until then. “Let’s not talk about that right now” she replied. 2 men were at the bar right next to them, one of them, the better looking one, was trying to make eye contact with her, she noticed. She sat there sipping on her Coors Lite, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Nicky deduced it was safer to keep the station wagon and leave the Bonneville in the garage, he knew the station wagon had evidence in it, and was going to get rid of it by driving it into a lake or off a cliff or something. As soon as he finds Jules... he went to the first gas station he came to. He pulled a picture out of his leather wallet and show the guy behind the counter, “have you seen this girl? He asked. “No im afraid not, and I’d remember and pretty girl like!” He added. Gene was facing the dirty window when he saw the familiar old green Station Wagon pull up to the gas station across the parking lot, he jumped up to get a closer look. He couldn’t see his mom but decided to walk outside and check it out. Jules watched him and slowly started to follow him. “ that looks just like my mom’s car he said as they headed twords it. Jules spotted Nicky! Oh thank god she thought! Except now they have to deal with Gene, only Jules didn’t know the worst of it. The guy from the bar trying to make eye contact, followed Jules. He was tall and rugged. He had on a straw Stinson hat, blue jeans and leather belt that had the name Roy engraved in the back of it. He had hoped that the man Jules was with was her dad and desperately wanted to meet her. Nicky was still inside buying a six pack of Coors Lite when Gene burst through the door. He glanced around, by now he knew 100% that that was his mom’s car because of the faded LBJ for USA bumper sticker that Frank had put on the back window and Lavern didn’t have the heart to take it off. It stood for Lyndon B. Johnson for Untied States of America.

Nicky was paying for his beer when he looked past the man in the Red western cowboy shirt and spotted Jules! “Hell yeah he said to the cleark, there’s my baby girl!” Gene heard him and immediately knew this punk, had his mom’s vehicle and he suddenly had a bad feeling that his mom was hurt or even worse. Gene pulled out a colt .45 peace maker revolver and pointed at Nicky, the cleark backed up and put his hands in the air. Nicky dropped the brown paper bag of beer and pulled his .38 snub nose and pointed back at Gene. Jules was right behind Gene at this point. “Nicky!” She screamed! Roy saw the stand off and grabbed Jules from behind “ Hang on there little lady, don’t be crazy!” He urged. “You got about 2 seconds boy to tell me where my momma is!” Gene hollered, not taking his eyes or the gun off of Nicky. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Nicky lied. “I mean it boy now don’t be stupid!” He advised. Jules watched in horror. She desperately wanted things to be calm and good for once in her life. She longed for normalcy like a flower longs for sunshine. She tried to wiggle free from Roys capable arms but he was so strong and protective. She got a good whiff of him and it was pleasing to her. She couldn’t help but to feel safe and protected for maybe the first time in her life.

There was a couple of people who tried to approach the gas station and saw the what they thought was a hold up. One guy ran to the Sand bar and told them to call the police. “Last chance punk! Threatened Gene. and with that, for the second time that day, Nicky fired his gun. Gene dropped to the ground. Jules screamed but Roy never let go.

Jules was looking out the back window from her kitchen. On the table behind her set a round oak dining room table with a simple white lace tablecloth. On top of that was a small glass case filled with blue and yellow wild flowers. “Mom? Can I go to Janey’s house? Her daughter asked her. “Oh I don’t see why not sweetie, let me check with your Daddy.” She replied. “Honey” she hollered out. Roy came around the corner. Tall and handsome, he put his strong arms underneath their daughter Rose and picked her up, then walked over to Jules and gave her a big kiss. Jules smiled. She was happy. 9 years had passed since that retched hot July Day in Tucson. The day that everything just came together.