Memphis Noir by Laureen Cantwell

Author:Laureen Cantwell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Akashic Books
Published: 2015-10-07T16:00:00+00:00

A Game of Love

by SUZANNE BERUBE RORHUS

East Memphis

“Another glorious day in paradise,” Cookie Shay said, descending the main staircase and entering the foyer. She wore her tennis whites, as she did most mornings. Sometimes she even played.

Justin scrutinized her appearance. Her flawless makeup and carefully styled hair were at odds with her sporty attire. “Are you heading to the club?” he asked.

She sighed. “I’m carrying a tennis racquet, Justin,” she said. “Of course I’m going to the club. Where else could I go dressed like this?”

To the cheating side of town, he mused, hearing the Eagles song in his head. Aloud, he said, “And which of your young fellows will be your doubles partner today?”

She favored him with a smile that almost reached her eyes. “Well, bless your heart, Justin! Are you feeling all fragile-like?”

He didn’t answer. A man had a right to feel fragile if he thought his wife was looking to step out on him.

Cookie kissed his cheek. He gave a discreet sniff as her floral perfume wafted over him.

“Sugar, you know I only have eyes for you. By the way, don’t forget we’re having dinner with the Jackmans tonight.”

“Why can’t we just stay home? I hate having to make small talk at dinner.”

She blew him a kiss as she crossed to the front door, nodding perfunctorily at the uniformed maid who handed her a coat. Her cherry-red Audi convertible waited in the portico in front of the home, its motor idling. “Six o’clock, Justin. Try not to stay late at the office.”

After the door shut behind his treasure, Justin continued into the kitchen where his breakfast and newspaper were waiting. He knew his wife had married for love—the love of money. They’d struck a bargain that suited them both—his wealth purchased her beauty. They’d been happy enough for years.

He’d been so proud of his young, athletic wife, smiling tolerantly when his friends ribbed him about robbing the cradle for his obligatory second marriage. She was only twenty years younger than he; it wasn’t as if he’d married a child.

Last year, though, he’d become aware of a certain distance on her part. In public, she still laughed at his jokes, held onto his arm, and deferred to his wishes. But in private, she now expressed an independence that he found both worrisome and annoying.

She’d begun to change last February, during the annual US National Indoor Tennis Championships, held at the Racquet Club of Memphis. Cookie had volunteered at the tennis tournament for as long as he’d known her.

“You want the cherry preserves this morning, Mr. Justin?” the maid asked. He grunted. He always wanted the cherry preserves. Why did they have to have this conversation each morning? Despite the troubled economy, it was difficult to find a decent maid willing to work full-time without living in. Justin insisted the staff went home each night so they could have their privacy. He wanted Cookie to himself whenever possible.

Cookie’s volunteer position for this year’s tournament involved seeing to the needs of the players.

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