The Last Hair Dryer on the Left

Chapter 1 Jo

Jo Ellen Lee loved walking in her winter boots. The thick heels made her taller and her stride more confident as she neared the corner of Main Street and Cedar Lane. Her tight jeans were tucked in to the boots mid-calf and her loose knit gray scarf slung around her neck over a satiny blouse. Her knit cap matching her scarf was pulled down over her black curls. It was her Together-Girl look and she was certain it was going to be a good day.

Three silvery birthday balloons floated gently along behind, their ribbons wrapped in her fingers. A flat box was in her hands. She’d baked two dozen red velvet cupcakes last night and gotten up early this morning to ice them in Florence’s favorite cream cheese icing.

As she turned the corner, a frigid gust of wind braced her causing her to stop. The balloons fluttered and strained on their thin ribbons. She struggled to keep her grip on her box.

Jo tucked her chin into her soft scarf and bent into the wind. She began walking again just as a car turned the corner from behind splashing muddy water over her and her box.

Oh! She struggled, barely hanging onto the box. Son of a ... She glanced around. bitch!

The offending car was a police cruiser marked in city colors. Buddy Toomer! Damn you! She shouted at the back of his car but he was down the block in a hurry to be somewhere. There was a better than even chance that was intentional. She straightened up and regained her dignity; then began walking again for her shop.

The third door on the north side of Cedar Lane was the Clip n Curl hair salon; hers for twenty two years. She stopped, and after digging in her purse, pulled out a mass of keys. She picked one out and unlocked the old brass lock in the door. The breeze died for a moment allowing the morning sun to reflect from the glass door onto her face. She savored the mild warmth; maybe it signaled the early arrival of spring.

The sun also shone across the front window where three flower boxes were just beginning to bloom. Stark white gardenias were bright in contrast to the black soil; their sweet scent mixing in the warm air making her smile.

She would get herself dried off and cleaned up; deal with Deputy Toomer later. Together-girl was back in charge.

A small bell tingled as she opened the door. She paused inside the door to replace the keys in her purse.

Her short reverie was interrupted by Anton pushing past her into the shop, startling her.

Ciao mama! He was tall and athletic with black curly hair and angular features.

Anton. Are you alright honey?

Lo sto bene. His eyes were blood shot. He was out of breath and needed a shave. Perché non mi credete?

What are you saying? What language is that? She asked.

He smiled a huge smile. Se Italiano mama. It’s Italian mama. I’ve been studying it for weeks. He hugged her and stood back. What happened to you?

It’s nothing sweetie. I got splashed by Buddy Toomer flying around the corner a moment ago. She immediately regretted using Toomer’s name, as she knew it would enflame Anton. Jo narrowed her eyes. Let it go Anton. It’s okay. She wanted to change the subject. You look like you haven’t slept in ages. Where have you been?

Ah mama, so suspicious. I just want to take you to breakfast. He was shrugging out of his green army jacket.

Suspicious? She hated it when her voice went high and squeaky. You look like hell and I’m guessing you haven’t eaten in days. She pushed a stray lock of hair from his face. He was so handsome, so much like his father it made her heart ache. And why are you studying Italian?

I’m fine mom. He followed her to the back of the shop throwing his jacket and a canvass shoulder bag over the coat hook behind the mirror. I’ll tell you everything. I just want to talk to you for a little bit.

Well, that’s fine honey but I’m opening the shop. She carefully put the cupcakes down, wrapped the balloon strings around a drawer knob and pulled some money from her pocketbook. Why don’t you bring us something from Roz’s diner?

He waved his hand at her money. I’ll get it. He turned to go but went straight into the stomach, chest and badge of deputy Buddy Toomer just entering the salon puffing as though he had been running.

Damn it all, Anton. He held his handcuffs in one hand and spun Anton around with the other, pushing him against the counter with a violent shove. We been chasing you since last night; you think you can give us the slip like that?

What are you talking about? I was home all night.He turned to look at Toomer. You can ask Bunny.

Uh huh. Buddy pushed Anton’s head against the wall. At the mention of Bunny’s name, he added an elbow to the move. She’s reliable.

Buddy. Jo leapt at Buddy and pushed, or tried to push him away from Anton. You let him go!

Her strength was no match for Buddy’s and she was brushed away. Back off Jo Ellen. He shoved Anton for the door. He’s dealin’ drugs, again.

I’m not mom. Anton called over his shoulder. Wait until ten thirty then call Trevor to come get me out would you?

Ten thirty? She called to Anton as Buddy struggled with the door and his prisoner.

I need a little sleep mama. His reply left Jo wondering, as usual, what was happening.

The door slammed and Buddy and Anton became a silent show as they moved in front of the window to the patrol car and Anton was put in the back seat for the one block ride to the station.

It was silent in the shop and Jo stood looking at the spot where the scene had taken place. Anton had his troubles. He was wild, intelligent and energetic. She knew he was fully capable of lying with perfect sincerity; but he was simply not the type to mess with drugs. She knew it in her heart even though over the last few weeks there had been what looked like bullet holes in his car and lately seemed to have plenty of cash.

Trevor was Anton’s friend from school and now, his lawyer. She could call him at ten thirty as Anton had asked or she could simply walk across the street to Rosalee’s Diner where he normally had his breakfast and tell him to stop by at that time.

She was still pondering what to do when the bell above the door tingled with the entry of Savannah and Charlotte interrupting her thoughts. They were mid-conversation about Savannah’s latest heartbreak with Lem Johnson.

Char was tall and sleek. She was in a baggy knit blouse with black leggings. Her thick black hair was pulled tight and stacked on top. Jo saw this as her get-to-work look.

Shorter, curvier and heavier Savannah had a beautiful, face with large innocent eyes, wild head of auburn hair and a bust... well, she just knew Flo and Char would kill to have her tits. She was in a red top that showed her sun freckled chest and black leggings.

Hey Jo. They glanced at Jo, smiled and went back to their chat.

Ladies. Jo nodded without taking her eyes from the window.

Savannah noticed Jo’s expression. What’s the matter Jo? You look all done in?

Jo shook her head. Buddy Toomer just walked in here and arrested Anton. Snapped handcuffs on him and dragged him out. Not five minutes ago. She shook a finger where he had been standing. He and the Sheriff are evil damn bullies. She fought back a hitch in her voice, embarrassed they might hear her emotion.

What for? Was it that drugs thing again? Char stopped at the coat hook as she reached to hang her purse. When she moved again she pulled Anton’s bag and jacket off and laid them on the side of the cupboard and put her purse in its usual spot. No disrespect to Anton but it was her spot. Hey! Cupcakes! Oh... for Florence’s birthday. The last part she said with declining enthusiasm.

Charlotte Ann Rivers! Jo looked up. Do NOT touch those until Flo gets here and gets to see them. Her glance turned to an evil scowl as she could see from where she sat that Char had already stuffed one into her mouth. "Char! What is the matter with you?"

Char sniffed and kept munching. "Are you referring to that man- stealing grandmother of Satan?"

I am referring to your lifelong friend and fellow idiot. She turned the end of the statement up in the southern way as if asking for agreement. "The three of you have been friends since high school. You have never wanted to do anything other than be stylists. And eight years ago, when you came out of the Betty Stevens Academy of Cosmetology you both came right back here to Bonnie Hill. All y’all’s friendships have lasted longer than you’ve had with any man.

Char was undeterred. "Just a month ago it was all settled. Charlie Ingram became my man again. He loves me. He said he always loved me even when he was with Flo- bitch- face-man-moocher. Her head was down and she was working at the counter. I have always felt Charlie and I were soul mates through the good times and bad."

"I’m not quite certain you understand how insane you are sounding Charlotte darlin’. Jo was squinting at Char suspiciously. Now, step away from the damn cupcakes."

Char glanced at Jo for a moment. I saw Anton with that awful Bunny McFadden yesterday. They were riding down First Street in his Camaro.

"Oh, that girl is such a ho. Savannah announced, happy to change the subject. My but she has a solid gold body though. She looked at Char and Jo staring at her. What? You gonna tell me she does not have it going on?"

Like a steam engine at full throttle. Charlotte raised her voice a notch. She’s still a ho. Her hips were swaying. Ain’t no man safe when she’s prowlin’ around. She sang like a preacher at revival.

Jo was still focused on Char. You really need to step away from the cupcakes; honey, darlin’ sugar pie. Her tone was low and threatening. She stalked to the rear of the shop where Char, seeing Jo’s expression, scurried away to her chair.

Jo looked at the cupcakes in the pink box. They no longer said HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORENCE. Now the letters spelled out DEAR BITCH HAPPY FELONY.

Oh Char! Really! She began rearranging the cupcakes. You have got to deal with the fact that Florence is with Charlie now and move on. This has been going on way too long. She was amazed at the anagram Char was able to work out so quickly.

He’s the father of young Charlie. Char said with a tone.

Yes Char. Jo said patiently. He’s also the father of Flo’s little Mikee. She was in no mood to be gentle. I will also note that little Mikee is the youngest of all the boys. You stole Charlie from her way back when and started this whole damn mess in the first place. Jo was glaring at Char. Must I remind you of your other son Tommy who is the son of Bobby Newton? As I recall, you got pregnant with Tommy while Bobby and Flo were still married? You are in no position to be on any high horses today. She was still arranging the cupcakes. Damn it Char. You ate one of the Rs. Now it says HAPPY BITHDAY FLORENCE.

Well, I shall not be apologizing to anyone for anything. Char turned and headed out the back door pulling a pack of cigarettes from her handbag as she went.

Jo sighed and let it go. She had her own worries with Anton being locked up. She turned and went to the reception desk and prepared for the coming day.

Chapter 2 What Anton Was Doing Last Night

The flat black ’68 Camaro on the levee was invisible in the darkness. Light from a waxing moon illuminated the tops of the trees around the reservoir but did not filter to the ground below. Anton Lee, sitting in the car wanted it this way. He was early for the meeting. Only moments before he had returned from silently scouting the area to make certain there would be no surprises when the meeting occurred. Anton found the police cruiser containing Sheriff Hart and Deputy Toomer just where he had expected it, sitting just outside the clearing past the levee; its chrome lights on the roof just picking up a hint of moon light. He had been watching when they arrived a half- hour before. Anton had no military training but knew it was probably not good to be the second to arrive at an ambush.

So far, the only thing he had not counted on was Bunny McFadden, sitting in the seat beside him, getting squirmy and impatient. He should have counted on that. She was here because Anton knew she would report to the police what was about to happen tonight. The light scent of her perfume was alluring in the darkness.

Anton, I really don’t like just sitting here like this. Bunny shifted in the passenger seat and reached for Anton’s arm. Can’t we make out or something?

Anton smiled. He knew what she was wearing, and, more, what she was not wearing and was tempted. Oh sure darlin’, we’ll be in the throes of passion when they show up and I’ll miss the meeting. He caressed her leg and felt her move towards him. She sighed and ran her hand through his hair.

Oh honey. Come on. She whispered. Anton checked his watch. It was nearly 2 AM.

In the near distance, a dark car was trying to approach without being observed. The driver had forgotten to disconnect the brake lights and their red glow lit the entire clearing.

Looks like they’re here. Anton turned and pulled a black waterproof duffle bag from the back seat. He lit a small flashlight covering the lens with his fingers blocking most of the light. He unzipped the bag and fingered stacks of hundred dollar bills.

Anton! Bunny’s eyes were wide. How much money is that?

Well, if it’s not two-hundred thirty-two thousand I’ll be a dead man by tomorrow. She reached in and held a stack. Anton stole a look at Bunny and made sure she got a good look at the bag and money. He pushed the door open. Sit tight baby. This will only take a minute.

He opened the door and disappeared into the darkness.

He slowly made his way to the other car making sure he scuffed a step in the dirt. He opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. At least Trevor had remembered to kill the interior light before coming to the meeting.

Hey buddy. Trevor knocked knuckles with Anton. They sat in the darkness for a moment. What’s up?

Nothin’. Trevor was gripping the steering wheel and eager to be elsewhere. I hope you know what you are doing Anton. This is risky stuff you’re pullin’ tonight.

Trevor heard but could not see Anton rifling the money bag. He nearly asked what he was doing but decided against it thinking the less he knew the better.

I am not the one who started this Trev... Anton’s voice did not betray his nerves. But Sheriff Hart and deputy Toomer are corrupt as hell and need to be exposed.

But you’re just a guy. Why don’t you call SLED or the FBI and report them?

Anton gave Trevor a long glance. Ah hell, Trev. You’re a great lawyer. It’s going to be fine. He reached for the door handle. Ready?

No. Trevor pulled out a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver. "This will not be fine and this will so be on my bill you bastard."

Everything is always on your bill you vampire. Anton turned and gripped the door handle.

Go Anton threw open his door and sprinted for the Camaro taking the bag with him. Trevor opened his door and fired three rounds into to the dirt in front of him. His eyes were shut tight as Anton had told him to do to preserve his night vision.

Trevor started his engine and against all his screaming instincts to flee, waited for Anton to start and go. He gripped the wheel, eyes shut, praying.

Anton fired up the big engine of his Camaro, jammed it into gear and, relying on his memory ran along the road seeing very little. He left the clearing heading away from town. When he had made the first two turns he turned on his parking lights and accelerated.

Bunny was crying from her side of the car, Anton we’re going to be killed!

Stay cool sweetie. He focused on the road and drove the route he had practiced the night before.

From behind four shots rang out with no result. Well, ol’ Buddy Toomer gets to use his gun. Trevor laughed in the darkness. I’ll bet Hart is yellin’ at him to knock it off.

They drove on. Anton noted the police car was showing its lights but quit with the siren after only a minute of chasing. He guessed they had made no radio calls for back up. When he had opened the distance between them, he turned on his lights, pressed the accelerator and streaked north for the county line.

The clearing by the levee returned to silence leaving Trevor sitting alone in the darkness. He opened his eyes and took a deep breath. He looked around, amazed it could suddenly be so quiet. He started his car and drove home as normally as his nerves would let him.

Chapter 3 The Magic Dryer

The shop settled into its day. Sunlight was beaming through the front window reflecting off the polished checkered linoleum floor and lighting the shop with the morning’s radiance. Char, back from her smoke, was talking on her cell phone. Savannah was sweeping the floor. Jo was at the counter near the front reviewing the day’s appointments sipping her coffee when Flo arrived.

Hey. She said quietly.

Hey, Said Savannah and Jo. Char looked up and made a show of turning away to her phone.

Flo was a taller and curvier version of Char. Men would go for Charlotte until Flo showed up. Then, magically, Flo would be the center of attention leaving Char sitting alone or with one hapless fellow thinking he could still get lucky. She put her handbag in the cupboard under the mirror at her station then laid out her cell phone and wallet on one side of the small ledge and clippers and scissors on a folded white towel on the other