Jason Deas - Benny James 03 - Brushed Away by Jason Deas Read Free Book Online Page B

southern drawl and wondered how much he weighed. He guessed he was pushing 350 or more.
    “Afternoon,” Benny said approaching Big E.
    “Afternoon,” he responded without making eye contact. He tried to step past Benny. Benny stood his ground in the middle of the narrow dock.
    “Can I help you?”
    “You don’t remember me?” Benny tried.
    “You think everybody should remember you because you used to be some hotshot FBI agent and you’ve been on TV a few times?”
    “No. We’ve met twice. That is why you should remember me.”
    “Oh,” Big E said with a sigh. “So we have. How do you do Mr. James?”
    “Call me Benny, Mr. Frederick.”
    “My father is Mr. Frederick. I’m Ernest, but prefer Big E.”
    “I did remember but didn’t want to assume I could call you that.”
    “Is there something you needed to speak to me about? I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m in a bit of a hurry.”
    Big E looked over his shoulder to see Vernon approaching.
    “Is that the cop under Chief Neighbors?”
    “Yes.”
    “Is he coming to talk to me?”
    Benny could tell he was becoming very nervous and wasn’t sure how to play his hand. Benny nodded his head slowly.
    “Oh Jesus,” Big E said. “I knew it was wrong and I knew it was illegal, but I didn’t think that anybody really cared.
    “Why wouldn’t anybody care?” Benny said as Vernon arrived next to the two men.
    “It’s just not a big deal,” Big E said.
    Benny lifted his eyebrows to Vernon signaling he wasn’t sure what was going on.
    “So you don’t think it’s a big deal?” Vernon said. “Are you crazy?”
    “It’s only a hundred dollars!” Big E said.
    Now Benny and Vernon had no idea what Big E was talking about.
    “And?” Vernon questioned, not sure what he was questioning.
    “And gambling with a bookie in Georgia is wrong.”
    Benny’s and Vernon’s eyes shot open wide with understanding.
    “You’re damn right it is,” Benny said. “Vernon, can I please have a word with this man alone?” Benny pointed his thumb toward Big E’s boat and Vernon hustled over to snap some photos.
    Benny grabbed Big E’s chunky arm and wheeled him around to where his back was to Vernon.
    “His dad lost all their family’s money one time growing up because of gambling,” Benny said beginning his lie. “Vernon just sniffed out this little thing going on here and he’s all bent out of shape about it. Let me see if he’ll let you slide on this one, but you’ll owe me one, OK?”
    “Anything,” Big E said with fervent nod.
    Benny had noticed Vernon was finished taking photos and walked down the dock to him.
    Benny looked Vernon in the eyes. “Just walk past him in a huff and tell him he owes me one. I’ll explain later.”
    “You have got to be kidding me,” Vernon said huffing up the dock and playing along. He stopped in front of Big E. “You owe that man a big one. He just did you a big favor.”
    “I do. I sure do.”
    Vernon walked past him and yelled back, “Get out of my county.”
    As Big E disappeared, Benny and Vernon had another good laugh as Benny explained to Vernon what had just happened.
     
    As Vernon headed back to the police department, Benny drove back toward the Oglethorpe place. He tried to get Vernon to come along without any luck. Driving through town, Benny had an idea of how he could keep Uncle Karl busy so he could have some time alone with Nina.
    Pulling into Red’s driveway, he spotted him in his garden as usual. Hearing the Jeep, Red jerked his head and a giant smile streaked across his face.
    “Bendy!” he called, running toward the Jeep. Benny quickly got out. “You come and make a visit on Red.”
    “I did. I was about to head out to the Oglethorpe place and wondered if you wanted to ride along.”
    “Red not knowing the Ogerthorpe’s.”
    “It’s Oglethorpe’s,” Benny corrected. “Uncle Karl’s last name is Oglethorpe.”
    Red’s face lit up. “I going! Let Red get a bag of yummy tomatoes for