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Two Parks

Eric Burbridge

    “Hello, this is Attorney Caldwell, obviously I’m not available, please leave a detailed message.”
    “Elise, this is grandpa, I’m going for a long walk down 95^th street all the way to the Red Line. That’s the plan anyway. Call you later, love you.” Murry Lett disconnected before her machine did. He’d been saying that for a while on the first ninety-degree day. Of course, he’d stay on the shady side of the street. He was too old for a heat stroke. Level sidewalks made the trip easier, if not, he’d installed a set of off-road wheels for his walker. The key to a safe relatively fast walk on neglected sidewalks from block to block, always scan ten feet ahead. He ran down his check list; everything was in order, his .380 was snuggly concealed in his belt and his phone was fully charged.
    It was six blocks to Western Ave. the border between Evergreen Park and Chicago. The charging station for police drones was integrated into the overhead traffic signals. Its appearance was as ominous as the overhead toll paying system on the Interstate highways.
    The aroma from the area White Castle made his mouth water for a couple of sliders, fries and a drink. Sliders; they didn’t call them back when they were twelve cents when he was a kid. Now they were a dollar twelve a piece and they weren’t real meat. Lett crossed his fingers the closer he got to the railroad tracks, but the lights started flashing. He quickened his pace before the pedestrian gate drops. A red-light camera system had been installed ever since a kid got hit, but it didn’t work. He’d ducked under it several times without getting a ticket in the mail. He did it again and continued his journey.
    The strip mall on the southeast side of the street was virtually empty, but the Walmart parking lot across the street was packed. He slowed crossing the street to avoid several potholes the village ignored over the winter. He flipped the bird to a couple of impatient drivers who called him everything but a child of God. What was the hurry? The fast city life...hurry up to wait for whatever.
    Beads of sweat formed on his forehead; the humidity was on the rise. He bought a bottle of water from a grey-haired Mexican food vendor at the bus stop. He’d forgotten his name, but they greeted each other like they’d been friends forever. “You headed into Beverly Hills, senor?” He opened a door on the cart, and steam vapors went everywhere and gave a teen aged girl a tamale.
    “Yeah, for a while.” The rack of motorized wheel chairs was empty. “Thought about renting a chair, but that’s out of the question.”
    “They ain’t been there in a month, but plenty of those damn drones though. I hate ‘em seem like they always listenin’ you know.”
    Lett nodded and tossed the empty bottle in the trash. “Take care my friend.” He crossed the street to the security check point. All pedestrians went through the same scrutiny that was similar to the airport. Lett’s pacemaker required him to go through the line operated by humanoid robots, not the AI’s used for others. He raised his arms slightly; the beam was quick.
    “Mr. Lett will you be shopping exclusively on 95^th Street, and if you are would you like to check your weapon in a locker?” The pleasant female voice sounded no more than twenty.
    “No, I’m walking all the way to Ashland, but thanks anyway.” Not that it’s any of your business. Of course, it would be foolish to tell that damn thing that. Surprisingly his two years on the police force, it was a life time ago, still had its perks.
    The center of 95^th street was newly landscaped with clusters of colorful flowers and huge planters. The fragrance of real vegetation was good, no more exhaust fumes since 98% of the vehicles were electric. The city finally finished widening the street and with it came new sidewalks and robots to keep them clean. He picked up the pace and over a half hour period avoided collisions with three knuckleheads on electric scooters, two rollerbladers and an irate very attractive senior in a motor chair. After she dropped a few harsh words on a young guy who cut in front of her leaving an upscale boutique. He was compelled to say. “Don’t let the young folks bother you, they’re always in a hurry, for what who knows.”
    She greeted him with a big smile “I won’t, but it felt good to say it. Damn, you look good...you work out, right? You have too...no gut, good muscle tone. What’s under the cap?” He took it off. “You thinning nicely, Mr....”
    “Murry Lett, but call me, Lett. Thanks for the compliment.”
    “Sorry, Lett, don’t mean to embarrass you. I speak my mind. Don’t mess that up, I know when to speak it. I’m Carla.” She rolled closer and extended her hand. “Want to race?” They laughed and moved closer to the curb out of the way.
    “No, you’ll leave me behind and I won’t get to know you.” Carla was gorgeous. Her complexion was flawless, no makeup with a perfect sheen the humidity provided. Her hips and thighs spread on the scooter’s seat in a way that a lustful younger man would appreciate. “And don’t say you don’t have time; you started this.” Lett remained smiling and whipped his walker around. “You headed west or what?”
    “Yes, west, I’m still shopping. Where you going?”
    “Abbott Park, it’s a mile or so, but that’s the plan.” He expected her to come up with an excuse to ditch him.
    “Tell you what, I’ll finish what I got to do and I’ll catch up with you, okay?”
    “Fine with me.” If she didn’t that was okay, but it was good meeting her. She continued down the street and went in a store. He kept his usual pace; he paused and did a little window shopping. Several places the clothing was too expensive and after a good washing were useless, in his opinion. At the bottom of the hill the commuter rail station platform was full of young people scantily dressed in bright summer colors. Being July there were tons of festivals downtown and the surrounding communities. He remembered those days; the crowds, the noise, the music and the orderly chaos. It was fun...now he wouldn’t be caught dead in that stuff. He fanned the fumes from the diesel locomotive as it left the station, three more blocks to go to the Ashland Ave. border of Beverly Hills. He felt a tinge of disappointment when he didn’t see Carla, but that would not stop him.
    This check point was fully automated. The turnstiles for pedestrians were a pain and instead of waiting for a gate to open he lifted his walker over it and he was on his way. “Your destination is two blocks ahead on the right.” That startled him...he forgot to disable the GPS on his phone. He stopped at a bus shelter; surprise, it was empty and clean. He took out a half-frozen bottle of water and rubbed it across his forehead. The temperature on the corner bank building read 88 degrees. This early? Another 100-degree day was forecast, but if it got unbearable...Uber to the rescue.
    Abbott Park:
    To his surprise Lett found the old bench he carved he and his girlfriend’s, at the time, names in. The fresh coat of paint had dried to a high gloss finish for the time being and the birds hasn’t christened it yet. The tree it was under remained; it was huge, the roots broke through the grass and sidewalk. It bought back good memories. The view was perfect; all the baseball diamonds, tennis courts and several fast-food places were visible. He never paid much attention to the field house or swimming pool. The park district maintained the place like it should; the grass was mowed recently and all the waste containers were empty. And here he sits forty years later amazed that the neighborhood, through several recessions, stayed the same.
    The state installed a canopy over the pedestrian bridge over the expressway adjacent to the park. A closer look and for a minute he thought he saw Carla; it was the same color scooter. It was her! She moved at full speed. He started to stand and wave, but she probably wouldn’t see him. Suddenly, she made a turn into the park headed straight for him. She pointed a small canister at him. A loud blast from the portable airhorn startled him. She laughed. “Hey you, how’s that for an entrance?” She looked around. “You scared all the people away or what?” She stuffed the horn in a pouch on a saddle type bag on her scooter’s rear.
    “No, of course not. Carla, you’re crazy, but that’s a good idea in case of an emergency.” He kept smiling helping her off the scooter. “Sit next to me real close so I can put my arm around you.”
    “Um, sounds good, but first are you married, Murry Lett?”
    “No...been divorced for years; before you ask, I’m a retired nurse practitioner. Divorce screwed up my chance for an MD, but that’s way in the past. You married?” He didn’t mention he was a cop decades ago. He reached in his bag and got a face towel. “You sweating, want some water?”
    She wiped her face and neck. “Man, it’s getting hot.” She draped the towel over the handle bars. “No, I’m a widower, a retired teacher, I’m straight and at my age, I get to the point sometimes quicker than people like. A character flaw, but I’m cool. I like you, Murry Lett, if I didn’t say it already.”
    “Me too, Carla...”
    “Scott, Carla Scott, easy to remember.” She smiled and crossed her smooth long legs slightly rising her short skirt up her thighs; her silvery grey curls shined in the sunlight.
    “Your hair is beautiful in spite of the humidity.”
    “Thank you. I do it myself, but I’ll wear a wig on occasions.” She reached in her pocket and pulled out a silver flask. “Want some?” She took a sip.
    “No, thanks, it too hot, maybe later.” He thought he smelled alcohol on her earlier. “Now that we established, we’re available, where do we go from here?”
    “The wonderful world of conversation, which is good foreplay if you ask me.” She winked and sat back on her scooter. “But first let me check the battery.” She flipped a switch. “It’s low, I’ll solve that.” She quickly assembled a small solar panel. “Give it an hour and I’ll be all set, Lett.”
    They talked and talked giving each other their undivided attention. Carla had captivated him; he shared things with her he had not discussed with anybody in years. She seemed equally relaxed. They hadn’t noticed the baseball diamonds were full with little leaguers, their parents and friends; the heat was not an obstacle to the fun and games. Carla finished her flask and bought them a couple of hot dogs and chips. He’d grown very fond of her in the short time they were getting acquainted, but noticed her conversation got more and more erratic; she wasn’t drunk, but struggled to recall things even when she told them a minute ago. Dementia or Alzheimer’s? He pushed that thought to the back of his mind, but his professional background refused to forget it completely.
    “What made you chose this spot to relax?” Carla asked while she disconnected the solar panel.
    “Well years ago, I carved my initials in this bench. My girlfriend wanted them on the tree, but it was too small. Now look at it.”
    “I noticed it too.” She stood by the massive trunk looking up at the branches. “I was a tom boy, I used to climb trees all the time. Watch this.” She stood on the back of the bench and grabbed the lowest hanging branch and pulled herself up on it. She let out a Tarzan like yell when she stood there. People turned and looked. Lett was embarrassed. “Am I good or what?” She screamed.
    Lett didn’t know what to do. It was obvious she knew what she was doing, a squirrel didn’t have a thing on her, especially when she climbed higher and higher on the huge branches. She was partially hidden in the leaves. A young couple rushed over and asked. “Is she crazy or what?” They stood under the spot where she was. “Lady, you need help?”
    “No, asshole and stop lookin’ under my dress.” Carla shouted. “Tell your wife stop lookin’ too.”
    “I ain’t lookin’ under your dress lady!” The tall muscular guy shouted. Several children ran out the bleachers. They laughed and dared her to jump. Lett went over to the branch, looked up and she didn’t have on any under wear under what he thought were culottes, but they weren’t. She grabbed a smaller branch and stooped slightly. If she pees from that tree, he was calling 911.
    She started to pee; he started dialing and so did others.
    Lett couldn’t believe it...she was crazy for lack of a better word. People laughed and took photos and video with their phones. Seconds later the area was full of flashing blue light police drones. The sound of sirens approached quickly. Lett felt terrible, he couldn’t just walk away; he owed her nothing, they just met. But it was a matter of human decency. “Carla, Carla.”
    “What is it, what is it?” She snapped.
    Their eyes met. Did she recognize him? “Get out the tree here come the cops.” That did it. She did a flip and landed on her feet like a cat and took a bow like she was on stage, but the drones still surrounded the branch. The crowd continued to laugh and cheer as two officers, one Black, the other Latino broke through the crowd.
    “Everybody break it up and go back to whatever you were doing,” the heavy-set Black cop said, waving his stun baton. They dispersed before the drones descended and started reading their barcodes.
    “Carla, what’s your problem?” The slim Latino asked, he turned his nose up when he looked at the puddle of liquid in the middle of the walkway. “You do that?”
    She looked, “Of course not, what do you think I am, Officer Perez?” She asked in a coy almost childlike voice.
    “You drinkin’ and off your meds...we takin’ you home.” The big cop said. “I’ll call the sarge, Perez.” He looked at Lett. “Who are you, you with her or what?”
    “I don’t know him, who is he?” Carla interrupted.
    “That’s a lie, officer...”
    “Gibson.”
    “We been sitting here for a while talking.”
    The cop pointed at the drone and then at Lett. It dropped and hovered level with his head kicking up dust; a beam scanned him from head to toe. A screen flipped open. “Bar code please.” A voice said. Lett held out his arm. This is what he got for being friendly; hopefully his conceal/carry shouldn’t be in question at this end. “Thank you.” The machines rose and continued on their patrol.
    “Carla, go sit in the car.” Officer Gibson tilted his head to the other cop who escorted her to the SUV, took apart her scooter and put it in the back. “You were a cop, Mr. Lett?”
    “Yeah, long time ago.” That was a surprise, again. “I’m still in the system after all this time?”
    “Yep, for whatever reason you left, you still in there. The sarge knows her, she’s harmless, but still, we gotta make a report and take her home. You ain’t did nothin’ wrong, enjoy the rest of your day.” The cop held up his fist; they bumped fists and Lett left the park.
    Oakdale Park Baseball Diamonds:
    A cold front came through and cooled things off. That made the seven block walk bearable. The walkway that connected all the baseball diamonds was full of joggers, kids and couples, elderly and otherwise, out for a stroll. The smell of weed filled the air. Groups of young people sat in the grass exposing themselves to new virus carrying insects. He remembered those days of reckless young invincibility. Further along the path the family reunion area with various names printed on balloons that danced in the breeze. He needed to find a spot on a bench centrally located to get a good view of all the half-naked females running around. He still had life in his libido. He got a few flirtish smiles from a couple of fortyish ladies, while their husbands, or whatever, stood over their grills.
    Be bold and daring...set up something for later.
    Maybe, but his stomach started to growl.
    He saw a few vendors by a cluster of grills by an area that displayed the Pride flag. And, of course, that’s where most of the activity was. Civil, but lively, was a characteristic of all the pride activities he’d seen over the decades. Prior to his retirement the majority of the professionals he worked with were LGBTQ; it wouldn’t surprise him if he ran into some of his old colleagues. His back tightened, time to sit on that bench a few meters ahead and get something to eat at the vendor next to it. “Rib tips ready!” A big woman wearing Cubs baseball cap who never missed a meal shouted. Rib tips it is, with extra mild sauce and napkins. A teen with blood shot eyes insisted he take her seat. He did and he attacked his meal. He signaled thumbs up to the cook, she replied in kind.
    The little leaguers, from the cheers, were knocking the ball all over the place. Good for them, but where were the old folks? The oldest people he saw were in their forties. A game of chess would be good dessert. But unfortunately, no elders anywhere or chess tables. Further down the way a sign read: Wings and brisket $5 w/potato chips. A tall solid built person opened a huge smoker and the aroma of brisket filled the air. A closer look and it was a former subordinate, Nurse Molly. He knew he’d see somebody familiar. She proudly proclaimed being trans and she was one of the best surgical nurses he ever had under his supervision. She flipped meat earnestly while her assistant fixed orders and so on. “Molly, Molly, what are you doing here?” Lett guided his walker around the umbrella shaded tables close to her trailer. At first, she gave him a what does it look like glance.
    “I’m workin’... A big smile appeared on her pitted face from serious acne when she was a teen. “Nurse Lett, what you doin’ here?” He got a bear hug. “Here let me get you a chair.”
    “No, no don’t let me keep you from your business.”
    “Nonsense, sit, let me flip this meat right quick.” She did it like a pro. “You look good, boss, or former boss.”
    “Well thank you. This has been a day so far. You won’t believe how it started.”
    “Yes, I would. All kinds of stuff happen nowadays, surprise me.”
    Lett looked at all the umbrellas and grills popping up. “I’ll tell you later. This is starting to look like a festival of sorts.”
    “It’s spontaneous...it just happens on occasion and here comes the DJs. House music and jazz.” Several guys in brightly colored shorts and tank tops carried speakers and other equipment to a couple of tables. They were set-up in minutes.
    “I see. I love house music and jazz; I hope they go old school that’s the best.” He stretched out his legs and got comfortable. The good thing about this spot, he wasn’t too close to the speakers.
    “Want a beer or a joint?”
    “No, you know I don’t smoke and only drink on my birthday, but this is the ideal occasion to have one.” Lett grabbed her hand. “It’s good to see you, Molly.”
    “Me too...remember Nurse Isaac?”
    “Isaac? Of course, your nemesis, did you kill him yet?” They laughed. “No, but the day is young.”
    “What?”
    Molly stood up and waved at somebody in the other cluster of umbrellas and people. “Hey, Isaac,” she shouted. “Over here,” and then said softly, “you asshole.”
    Lett giggled, “Be nice, be nice.” He stood up looking for him. That was a waste. Isaac was a little person; he wouldn’t see him through the crowd. How did she? No sooner had he finished that thought he heard a thunderous shout.
    “What is it, Molly?” A guy dressed in shorts wearing a tall grinch like hat with the rainbow flag colors came through a crowd of teenagers. She waved him over. He saw Lett and took off his apron; he tossed it to a co-worker and headed their way as fast as possible. “Well as I live and breathe. How you doing, Nurse Practitioner, Murry Lett?” he reached upward and shook his hand. “You look good for a retired guy.”
    “Thanks, Isaac, you look well too. What you got on the grill?”
    “My famous burgers.”
    “They ain’t that famous...” Molly interrupted, “Mine are better.”
    “Bull! Stick to brisket, Molly.”
    “I see you two still in love.” They all laughed and pulled up chairs. “How long since has it been since we last sat in a circle...five years or what?”
    “Who knows,” Isaac said. “And what brings you this way?”
    “I planned a long walk that turned into quite an adventure so far. I thought I met the love of my life...man was I wrong.” Lett sampled both of their food. “Why don’t you two work together? Open a business?”
    The rivals looked at each other. “Never thought about that.” Isaac said.
    “Me neither, but to be a little guy you’d probably be a big pain.” Molly laughed. “But Lett you always made good suggestions to solve the BS...all kinds of it.”
    “Thanks, but I know.” He laughed. And for the next hour they reminisced and he shared the Abbott Park incident. Jazz and house music have a way of calming things. There was a pause between DJs when Lett could have sworn, he heard an air horn in the distance by the entrance. His heart skipped a beat. That was a truck, right? It had to be, don’t even look for one. Enjoy yourself. Another blast, it was closer this time. Molly jumped to her feet and signaled, for what looked like, a convoy of scooter type wheelchairs. The smile on her face said it all. In the lead was none other than, Carla. He couldn’t believe it. Crazy Carla...something was different, but what? They got closer; it was her hair; now she wore braids in beautiful silver blonde rows. He counted ten scooters and all of them were uniquely colored with several displaying pride symbols. Should he duck or what? She denied him before so probably not. One thing about Pride gatherings of all kinds, there were plenty of straight folks that joined in the activities. He hoped Carla was one of them, but there he went again being optimistic. It was getting late, time to move on and instead of dodging her, go speak and leave. Would she respond or be too embarrassed? He told Isaac he’d be in touch, but Molly had disappeared into the crowd. He headed in Carla’s direction and when their eyes met, but it was more of a glance. She didn’t recognize him. She ignored his smile and turned to talk to a lady next to her. Had she gotten sober? Apparently...that was quick. “Hey Carla, how are you, remember me?” She smiled. If she didn’t, that was fine and he’d keep going. Let sleeping dogs lie.
    She laughed until tears formed in her eyes. “I’m sorry, so sorry, I’m Carole. Carla’s identical twin.” She reached out and touched Lett’s arm. “Don’t be so embarrassed, it happens all the time until you’ve been around us long enough.”
    She sounded exactly like her. Amazing. “What can I say, but good to meet you, I’m Murry Lett.” They shook. She smelled of alcohol. Jesus, is this a two in one situation? He hoped not, but listen to your own advice and leave, now. But he couldn’t break away from admiring those gorgeous legs and thighs, her sculptured features and perfect smile. Twins with the same physical build? No way...Carla and Carole were the same. That hurt. He’d grown fond of Carla and wished her well in her struggle with mental illness.
    “Be right back, Lett.” She followed the group to an area under a big oak tree; the ladies not confined to their chairs parked and dismounted. A tall thin lady roped off area. “This is the parking lot ladies.” They laughed and walked over to a table with all kinds of food and drink. Carole fixed a plate and found a space at the table. She beckoned Lett to join her. Against his better judgement he did. She bit into her burger like there was no tomorrow. Before she could swallow her food with sauce running down her chin she said. “I feel like we’ve met before.” She wiped her mouth. “Rude of me, talking with food in my mouth, but have we met?”
    What does he say? The truth, but that would mess things up. Leave now before things get complicated. “No, perhaps in another life.” He chuckled lightly and so did she.
    “Okay, but you look good, Murry Lett. Later on, you can take advantage of me, if you like.”
    He was aroused like a young guy. “I’d love too.” Leave now before you get in trouble, she’s ill. He shook that thought, but continued to lust for her beautiful body. The gloss on her perfect mouth invited him to kiss her with passion. How could he get her alone? Take an Uber back to his place...no, a motel would be best. They wouldn’t stay long, just long enough to satisfy one another, but Carole looked like she had plenty of energy. What if she was a nympho?
    Forget that and calm down before you get in trouble.
    “Double Dutch, yall...double Dutch!” A young girl in a rainbow-colored hot pants and a halter top shouted holding up a bundle of rope. “In the parking lot.”
    The crowd hurried that way and so did Carole.
    There were several groups of older females unraveling rope. The show got started. It was amazing the shape they were in. The cheers got louder and louder. Guys in drag got in on the action and put some of the women to shame. That was a shocker. Carole jumped in a did a move the younger folks tried to mimic but couldn’t. Lett cheered and leaned on a car, drank a beer and took a hit off a joint, something he hadn’t done in decades. A medium height muscular guy with silver hair came through the crowd. His white shirt with the sergeant stripes said it all. When Carole missed and let somebody else jump, he approached her and held her arm with force. He spoke to her calmly but firmly and escorted her out of the crowd. Nobody paid attention, but Lett followed them to the scooter parking area. Lett recalled their encounter at Abbott Park, one of the cops said the sarge told him to take her home. He speculated Carla/Carole got out and came here; he knew where to find her. She got on her scooter and she pulled out; she saw him, smiled and waved. The sarge shot Lett a dirty look and kept pace with her.
    That ended that. Time to call Uber and go home.

*

    “Hello.”
    “Granddad, where you been, I got the message?”
    “A walk like I said...you wouldn’t believe the stuff that happened.”
    “Jesus, you, okay?” His granddaughter had damn panic in her voice.
    “Don’t panic, I’m fine.”
    “You been drinking a little or a lot?”
    “A little, a beer and a little weed; that was a couple of hours ago.”
    “Weed?”
    “I know it’s been forty years, but the one hit I took had me giggling like a kid, but I’m good. I went all the way to Abbott Park. Now that’s a story I’ll tell off the phone. Long story short I took an Uber home and you know those railroad tracks at Vincennes?”
    “Yeah, the commuter line.”
    “I thought I saw some kids on top of the big signal tower that stretches across. I told the driver to slow down and sure enough a couple, maybe they were six or seven, got up there and panicked or whatever and couldn’t get down. I called 911; we waited until the fire department rescue people get there. I’d hate to have to pay that bill...their parents are going to kick their little behinds but good. Any other time the drones would’ve seen that shit. They see everything thing else that’s none of their business, but what can you say? You coming this way or what?”
    “No, got a date, just checking in, talk to you in the morning.”
    “Okay.” He hung up and continued his online search for a scooter. It was time to give his walker a rest.

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