Chapter Eight
Danny
THE FIRST MONDAY in June found Danny bunched inside a small seat at the Universal Center with his buddies, Tony and Ritchie, seated beside him. Licking his lips, he glanced at the stage where the sportscaster positioned the microphone.
“Don’t worry. You’ll get in,” Ritchie said, flashing a reassuring smile.
Danny shifted in his seat. He had to make it. Basketball was his lifeline, his avenue of escape.
The lights dimmed and the ceremony began. With envy, Danny watched as the other players’ names were called and their assignments were announced by the commissioner.
On the fifth call, the moment he’d been waiting for arrived. “For the Amstaffs, the first round draft player is...”
Danny held his breath and leaned forward. It’s got to be me, it’s got to, he pleaded inside.
“Dick Holmes.”
He swallowed in disappointment. The scouts had acted interested. They’d insisted he be here today. He’d thought he had a chance. He slumped back in his seat.
Tony tugged his arm. “Don’t let it get you down. There are more teams.”
True, although Danny had set his sights on playing for the home team. That’s where his friends and memories were, though his family was gone. Still, at this point, he couldn’t afford to be particular.
More picks were announced. Danny’s hopes waned. Somehow he’d have to cope, basketball or not. He tried to look interested as even more names were called and congratulations rang out.
“Due to a last minute trade with Los Angeles yesterday, the Amstaffs are allowed an additional first round draft pick,” he heard the commissioner say. “The fifteenth pick for the first round is...Danny Callaway, a graduate from DePaul University.”
Had he imagined it?
“Hey, man, you’re in. Get up there, Danny,” Tony screamed, pummeling Danny on the back.
“Give me five,” Ritchie said with a broad smile.
Danny’s body felt numb as he walked up the aisle and onto the stage. The lights almost blinded him as the commissioner shook his hand and placed the coveted Amstaff hat on Danny’s head. “Congratulations, son.”
Through dry lips Danny croaked out, “Thanks.”
He couldn’t believe it. Something was right about the world after all.
After Danny had exited, one of the sportscasters, Frank Monson, cornered him in the hallway. “How does it feel to be an Amstaff, Danny?”
That was just the start. From now on he’d be grist for the media. He answered the man, but couldn’t remember what he said.
As he climbed back into his seat, a sense of awe overwhelmed him. He’d worked hard, yet he still couldn’t believe he’d made it.
Too bad Cathy couldn’t have been here. He’d like to have shared this milestone with her. When he’d mentioned the draft to her last week, she’d given him a funny look and said, “I’m sorry, Danny. I’ve got the flower arrangements for the Bergdorf wedding to prepare. It’s one of those society things. It’s my big chance and I want to do it right.”
He was tempted to ask her if half a day would make a difference, but kept silent. The shop was special to her and he respected that. Also, he had a feeling she was hinting about their own wedding plans. It wasn’t fair to string her along, yet he hadn’t let on why he couldn’t go down that road.
“Don’t look so glum,” Tony said, poking him. “You made it, remember?”
Danny smiled as excitement welled up. Tony was right. Today was special and he may as well enjoy it.
“Let’s celebrate someplace,” Ritchie said as they filed out of the Universal Center.
“Sorry, guys. I’ve got a private party at Cathy’s.”
Amidst knowing looks and congratulations, Danny hopped into his car and headed northwest to Park Ridge. It was already past eight. She should be home.
He dashed to the front door, banged on the brass knocker and waited, shifting his feet. No answer. Maybe she was still at the shop. He’d go over there.
Just as he turned, the door swung open. There was Cathy, smelling flowery and feminine, looking angelic, in a pink chenille robe. The sight nearly made him forget why he’d come over. She was incredible. He could only stare at the damp strawberry tendrils framing the perfect oval face, then downward to the flash of pale perfect legs. Her freshly scrubbed appearance, a contradiction of sexuality and vulnerability, made something stir deep within him. He stood awkwardly, feeling an overpowering urge to lose himself inside of her.
“Hi, Danny,” she said, sounding embarrassed, as if she were ashamed of her unadorned looks.
It was amazing how unassuming she was. Cathy had no idea what effect she had on him.
He imagined what lay beneath the robe, then frowned at another thought. She shouldn’t have opened the door so fast. What if it hadn’t been him, but someone dangerous? The picture of his sister’s prone body flashed through his mind making his blood curdle.
“Cathy, please be careful. It could’ve been anyone out here. We can’t have anything happen to you.”
She threw him a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, I saw you through the peephole.”
Of course she had brains enough not to do anything foolish. Cathy was not as helpless as she looked.
He stepped inside and gathered her tightly in his arms. He pulled her close, feeling the staccato beat of her heart. Its wild rhythm matched his.
That wasn’t enough. He swept her off of her feet, whooped loudly and twirled her around. He gently replaced her bare feet onto the slate floor and looked straight into her eyes.
“What was that for?” she asked in an out-of-breath voice.
“Cathy, you’re looking at the newest member of the Chicago Amstaffs,” he said, eagerly watching for her reaction.
She looked up at him, as if expecting to hear more. When it didn’t come, a flicker of disappointment crossed her face. Smiling brightly, she said, “Danny, that’s wonderful. Congratulations. I knew you’d make it.”
Had he imagined that look?
“Cathy, you are happy for me, right?”
“Of course. Don’t be silly. What makes you ask?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“You’ve worked hard. You deserve it. Besides, you’re a natural.”
“Thanks, Cathy. Oh, by the way, they’re sending me a contract. Is your Dad in? I wonder if he’d look it over when it comes.”
“Everyone’s gone to a movie. They asked me to go with them, but after I’d finished the Bergdorf’s wedding bouquet plans, all I wanted was a long soak.”
Pushing the picture of a bathing Cathy out of his mind, Danny said, “Sounds like you had a tough time.”
Her face flushed as she described the tactics she’d employed to deal with the demanding society bride.
While the innocently naive Cathy went on about the travails of floral shop ownership, all he could think of was that they were alone on one of the most important days of his life. It should be celebrated with someone he cared for deeply. Did she guess what was going on in his mind?
Her hand fingered her open collar. She flashed him a tremulous smile.
He placed his right hand on top of hers, reaching inside with the left to trace the smooth creamy skin of her fair neck. He moved down slowly across her back, feeling a quiver run through her. If she objected, he’d stop.
Nothing resembling a protest came from those sweet lips as he inched his fingers down further to engage them at pulling open the sash of her robe. It revealed the satiny, freckled skin beneath.
He gasped at the sight of pert, round breasts and a cute, tiny belly button, followed by the thin patch of strawberry curls.
He swallowed, trying to keep from staring, as his body went rigid. Drawing her close, he plunged his tongue deep between her waiting lips, tasting her sweetness, wanting every inch of her. She melted into him.
His need grew more urgent. Reason fled as he unzipped his pants. He want
ed her now. This was meant to be. No more waiting. He’d consider the consequences later.
The scratch of a key turning in the lock flashed him back to his senses. Springing away, he pulled up his zipper and tucked in his shirt. Cathy’s face flushed scarlet, as she yanked her robe back on and tied the sash.
What rotten timing. He stifled a groan as the McGuire clan filed in, glancing curiously at him and Cathy. He couldn’t say nothing had happened. One look at Cathy’s swollen lips and tangled hair told the story.
With his lips tightly sealed, he glanced at Cathy and awaited a cue.
She competently filled the gap. “My, that was a short movie. It seems like you just left.”
“We didn’t see it. The seats were sold out, though it was showing on half the screens. We went there for nothing.”
Dora’s voice was unnaturally high, almost hysterical, more than warranted for missing a movie. The tone was strange, since Cathy’s sister seemed so levelheaded.
Always the sympathetic, unselfish one, Cathy said, “Oh, that’s a shame. Maybe in a few weeks it’ll be less popular.”
“Sure.” Dora’s voice came out flat as she hurried out of the room.
Now only Cathy’s parents remained. They stood before Danny in quiet condemnation. Ted McGuire frowned, making Danny feel unwarranted guilt. It didn’t help to know he’d feel the same if it were his daughter who looked like she’d just been had in the front hall.
Asking the favor felt awkward, but maybe the distraction would ease the situation. “Mr. McGuire, uh, I was wondering...I just got drafted by the Amstaffs. They’ll be sending me a contract. Would you mind looking it over?”
Ted’s frown changed to a speculative smile. The offer apparently put everything in a new light. “Well, young man, congratulations! I’ll be glad to offer my advice. Hey, this calls for a celebration. Nancy, where’s the good bottle of champagne?”
As Cathy threw Danny a rueful look, he could almost read her mind. They’d carried on quite well with their own festivities until the rest of the family had arrived. Obviously the remainder of the evening would be lost in basketball discussions. With a sigh, Cathy excused herself. Relief stole through him as he watched her leave. Now that he’d come to his senses, he was glad of the interruption. He’d gone further than he’d intended. It wasn’t right to get Cathy’s hopes up and disappoint her.
As Danny sipped the champagne, Ted lectured about contract pitfalls. He insisted on examining the document word for word before Danny signed it.
Danny nodded absently. A creak from the direction of the stairs signaled Cathy’s reappearance, this time clad in a form fitting tee shirt and molded jeans. He tried to focus on Ted’s words, but out of the corner of his eye he followed Cathy’s every move.
She sank down beside him. Her fresh scent permeated his senses, reminding him of what he’d seen beneath her robe. He wanted desperately to throw his arms around her and continue where they’d left off. Instead, he made himself listen to her father’s legal advice.
It didn’t take long before Cathy’s eyes glazed over. His own had probably done the same. Legal mumbo-jumbo was too much to take at a time like this.
Danny rose. “Well, thank you, Mr. McGuire. You’ve been a great help.”
“Let’s not stand on formalities. Call me Ted.”
“Thanks, Ted. I’ll be in touch with you when the contract comes.”
Cathy followed him to the door. Before an audience of two, he placed a chaste kiss on her waiting lips, then reluctantly stepped out into the warm summer evening.
A light breeze blew across his face. It was a night meant for loving and being loved. He longed to succumb to the gentle persuasion, but must remain firm. He’d had a narrow escape. He may not be as lucky in the future. He had to break up with Cathy. It was the right thing to do.
THE PHONE WAS already ringing as Danny stepped into the apartment. He let his answering machine pick it up.
“You motherfuckin’ prick. You think you’re hot, but you’re nothing but pond scum.”
The unexpectedly angry words startled him. The voice sounded familiar, but the connection was scratchy. Frowning, he shook his head. There were all kinds of nuts out there.
Now that he was in the big time, he’d apply for an unlisted number.
A WEEK LATER RITCHIE invited Danny to his new apartment in the Logan Square district of Chicago. As Danny stepped inside, a loud chorus of, “Surprise,” rang out.
He’d been tricked, but of course he didn’t mind. Everyone important in his life was gathered to celebrate his success: all the McGuires, Tony and Tracy, along with his past teammates and buddies from school. The sight warmed him.
They all talked at once, speculating on what Danny should expect as a pro.
“Can I get your autograph before there’s a line?” Cathy asked with an impish smile.
At the sound of her voice, the familiar stirring rose deep within him. Her sparkling hair, infectious smile, her very presence, lit the room.
Standing next to her was Dora, looking mysterious and sexy in black jeans and an indigo sweater.
Ritchie eyed Dora speculatively. Danny frowned, then told himself he shouldn’t be jealous. He had no claim on Dora. Cathy was the sister he loved.
To reaffirm his feelings, he turned his attention to Cathy. Talk gravitated to Tony and Tracy’s upcoming wedding. Cathy threw envious looks in Tracy’s direction.
Fortunately, before any hints could be thrown, Ritchie stepped out of the kitchen and into the living room carrying a huge cake decorated with frosting in the shape of an orange basketball.
His “Good luck, old buddy,” was echoed by the others, bringing a lump to Danny’s throat. The people here were his family. He felt a special closeness to them all.
Tuning into his thoughts, Cathy squeezed his hand. Beside her, Dora smiled hauntingly.
IT WAS HIS first day as an Amstaff. Danny’s fingers trembled as he unbuttoned his oxford shirt and slipped into the famous crimson uniform. The jersey material felt cool and soft against his fevered skin. Catching his reflection in the locker room mirror, he stopped and succumbed to a wave of sentimentality. He wished his family could see him.
On the night before Mary Alice’s death, his sister had teased him about his basketball obsession. She’d ended up encouraging him, saying he could have anything he wanted if he tried hard enough.
“What do you want, Mary Alice?” he’d asked.
A wistful expression stole over her face. “Oh, the usual fairytale stuff, you know, the virgin bride marrying the handsome prince. Then, a little later, a darling girl and boy, maybe a suburban home.”
He couldn’t resist asking, “Is Larry the one?”
Her forehead had puckered as she gave him a slight push. “That’s my business.”
The sound of the referee’s whistle shifted his thoughts back to the present. The past was gone. Life went on and he was a part of it.
He stepped from the locker room and bounded onto the court. It was time to prove himself.
Living in the present was not a picnic. He no longer played for his alma mater. He had a job to do. If he failed, he’d be fired.
Such responsibility made him nervous, especially since he was the new guy on the block. Was he good enough?
Out of sync, he made mental errors in practice, letting his teammates get away with stuff he’d never have allowed at college. Coach Dexter frowned and corrected him.
Friday, after a week of Danny’s non-stellar performances, veteran player, Ronnie White, took him aside in the locker room.
“Dan, I know you’re good. You make three-pointers look like lay-ups. What you need to do is focus. Get in there and follow the action. Forget what people think, and just do your thing.”
Danny stopped tying his shoes and flashed a grateful smile at the black man whose temples were tinged with gray. Ronnie had been around a while and didn’t need to consort with a novice.
“Th
anks, Ron. I’ll do my best,” he said, standing up.
Ronnie patted him on the back. “That’s all you can do. You’re not alone. We’re all human. I’ve made my share of mistakes. You’ll catch on.”
The veteran was right. Danny had been psyching himself out. Instead of playing, he’d spent too much time worrying about what everyone thought. It was time to buckle down.
After the pep talk, Danny adopted an assertive attitude. It paid off immediately. He loosened up. He grabbed for rebounds and aimed at the basket. Thanks to Ronnie’s encouragement, he made it back on track. Like a candle in the darkness, one person’s kindness had been what it took.
Coach Dexter glanced at Danny thoughtfully, then switched him to different positions to gauge the results. Finally he nodded. “Dan, I’m placing you at point guard. You’ve got the speed. You’re making the long shots.”
Danny didn’t argue. He’d be happy anywhere.
Practices went fine after that. Exhibition season began. Danny discovered he enjoyed taking chances, connecting at outside baskets, pretending he was street playing. The crowd’s cheers gave him a heady feeling.
ON A COOL, CRISP day in early October, Tony and Tracy stood at the altar of Our Lady of Lourdes Church with Danny, as best man, watching from the side.
A glance at Tracy’s tiny form enveloped in the long white gown, along with the rapturous look on her face, told Danny she was totally right for Tony. Tracy had waited a long time for this to happen. She’d cherish Tony and treat him like a king.
What more could a man want? That is, a normal man who didn’t have a fixation clouding his life.
The couple couldn’t afford much, so after the ceremony, a small reception was held in the church’s basement.
With Cathy seated beside him, Danny felt the familiar stirring of guilt. She was waiting for him. Watching another couple’s happiness had to be hard on her. Because of that, Danny avoided her eyes.
TOMORROW EVENING WAS the season’s opener—the game when Danny would prove himself to the world. To relieve the tension, he took Cathy to a Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately, his stomach was so knotted he barely picked at his taco. Over the rim of a margarita, Cathy smiled back at him, pain lurking in her clear blue eyes.
Her wounded look drove a nail through his heart. His temple ached. The upcoming game was forgotten.
He wasn’t happy about what he’d have to do, but it was the right thing. Without Cathy, he’d be a lonely, empty man. Soon she’d be gone from his life. Cathy was not his for the taking. He had a mission to perform.
Staring across at her perfect face, he tried to imprint its features in his memory. He’d been a selfish cad and still was. The longer he waited, the harder it would be. Still, he couldn’t do it.
He settled the bill, held out Cathy’s chair and hardened at the whiff of her floral perfume. It was torture to be near her, yet it was worth it.
On the way home, he switched on the radio. Soft music wafted through the still night air. With Cathy beside him, he was transported to a place of innocence and beauty where he’d lived before Mary Alice’s rape and murder. He wanted badly to stay in that happy place and ignore what lurked outside.
The lulling music was interrupted by a news bulletin. Another girl had been raped and murdered in the Lincoln Park area. A chill raced up and down his spine and his resolve tightened. He had to get rid of Kevin or he’d strike again when he was free.
To fill the gap, he talked about the upcoming game. Though he knew Cathy wasn’t a sport’s fan, she did her best to respond. She was his fan and that’s all that mattered.
IT WAS ALMOST game time. The people who meant the most to Danny were seated in the arena waiting: Cathy and the rest of the McGuires, Tony, Tracy and Ritchie, along with thousands of cheering, frenzied fans. If he failed today, they’d all witness it.
The stadium darkened. The spotlight zoomed in on the Winston starters, then the Amstaffs. Danny was not among them. Instead, he sat on the bench, poised for action, hoping to get his break. The first, then the second quarter began and ended. With each waiting moment, the padded seat became more uncomfortable. He wanted in the worst way to go out and do his thing.
With the third quarter almost over, Coach Dexter finally laid a hand on Danny’s shoulder. “Get in there. We need some baskets.”
Danny ripped off his warm-up suit. When he loped out onto the court, the lights blinded him. The din hurt his ears, flashing him back to the courtroom years ago. The grim reminder made it hard to think, yet he had to concentrate.
The orange blob sped his way. He grabbed for it, but it flew past. Stifling a groan, he saw the Winston player, Ralph Raven, retrieve the ball and dribble across the court.
That was not an auspicious start. Would Coach Dexter yank him out? Danny expected it, but the whistle didn’t blow.
Before he knew it, he got another chance. His buddy, Ronnie White, passed him the ball. Danny grabbed it, broke away and headed for the basket. One of the Winston players, Big Ben Carter, appeared out of nowhere. The giant planted his mammoth body in front of Danny and knocked him in the arm.
He’d been robbed. That should have been his basket. Danny forced back his anger. He was in the big time and would get no breaks.
Well, he’d show everyone. He had to. Again Big Ben aimed. The ball flew off the basket. Danny jumped and caught the rebound. He passed it to Ronnie, who slammed in the tying basket. The crowd cheered. Danny smiled. At least he’d done something right.
Seconds later the whistle blew and he was pulled back onto the bench. The starter, Louie Larson, had gotten enough rest. A tied game was no place for a novice.
Danny chafed on the sidelines. Now he’d had a piece of the action, it was even harder to sit and watch. The score switched back and forth, with the players fighting like the fate of the universe was at stake. The result was a Winston victory by four points.
Outside the locker room, Cathy waited with a sympathetic smile and a box of candy. Danny shot her a rueful grin. “I’m sorry I didn’t burn up the court for you.”
Her eyes held confidence. “You did fine.”
“Thanks, Cathy. I can always count on you for moral support.”
But could she count on him? She had to be wondering.
His heart quickened at the sight of Dora standing in back of her. “Hi, Dora, did you have a good time?”
She nodded, golden eyes glowing. “Danny, you were wonderful, especially when you caught that pass from Ronnie. Too bad Ben elbowed you.”
“You must be the only one who noticed,” he said, feeling an instant bond.
“Of course I did,” she said, smiling back at him.
Ted and Nancy offered congratulations, distracting his attention. Ritchie reached over to shake Danny’s hand. “Hey, fellow, way to go. That was a great rebound. You’re going places.”
“Yeah, Danny, you did great,” Tony piped up from behind. Tracy cheered, making Danny blush.
The praise was embarrassing. “I’m hungry. Let’s get over to Tobasco’s,” he said.
They headed out the door. He could have picked anywhere to go, but had deliberately chosen Tobasco’s as a way of memorializing the day his parents had died. They deserved a place in his memory today.
As he sat at the head of the long table and gazed across at everyone, a sense of loss crept in. He hoped his parents and Mary Alice would have been proud of him.
The pizzas arrived. Everyone joked and laughed, snapping Danny out of his somber mood. Being alive was wonderful. This was what life was all about, celebrating great moments with friends and loved ones. He reached for Cathy’s hand.
Tracy smiled mysteriously. Tony cleared his throat. “Listen up, folks. We’ve got an announcement. Tonight’s actually a double celebration. Tracy and I are having a baby.”
Danny knew he should be happy for his friend, but all he could think of was what the news would do to Cathy.
Her eyes reddened as she offered congratu
lations.
The noose was closing in on him. What should he do?