Melody Starr:

Chapter 15

Nydessa talked non-stop all the way, stopping momentarily to change the CD. So much had happened since that fateful day Dessie's former "boss", Charmaine, took a flying leap off that catwalk. First there was the long overdue reconciliation with her father which culminated with a startling revelation: Tom Charles finally realizing his second wife had successfully come between him and his daughter. During that heartfelt conversation between Tom and Nydessa, he admitted he was wrong in allowing Diana to wreck his happy home, that the first Mrs. Charles had no problem in accepting Nydessa's sexual orientation. But Diana...

At last report, Tom was en route to Pittsburgh in hopes of getting back together with his ex-wife. Maybe she'll forgive him for all the hell he put her and the family through. Nydessa just hoped and prayed her mother would meet Tom halfway, forgive him of all wrongs, and let the family heal. Tom reassured Dessie that he would lay it all out: Diana's machinations against Nydessa, the girl's confused sexuality and subsequent running away from home, Dessie's involvement with Charmaine Shade. All of it stemming from one indiscretion on Tom's part. Secondly, there was Charmaine herself, now a hollow shell of a woman. Nydessa had no idea her former mistress suffered from an acute mental disorder. To Dessie, Charmaine had it all together, although there were those times Nydessa would overhear Ms. Shade babbling to herself, and, as Dessie told Melody, arguing with the long dead Olivia Maxwell. Then the kicker: John Eiger turned out to be Charmaine's biological father, and that Charmaine Shade was really Deidre Maxwell.

It's not that the entire sordid story of Olivia's madness manifesting itself into the daughter shocked Nydessa. She already learned how a toxic relationship can damage – sometimes irreparably – a person's self-worth and psyche. At least Nydessa's father learned this the hard way and was making amends with his ex-wife. For Nydessa, she wondered how different her life would have been if her parents were killed. Melody, at the tender age of six, lost her parents in the more horrible ways imaginable. At least she had a loving grandmother who took her in, reared her into the fine lady she is today. Too bad Charmaine hadn't the love and support of a kind parent. Even if John Eiger was fortunate enough to take her in, Olivia would have still called the shots.

"I never dreamed Charmaine has an abused child, Melody," said Nydessa as Melody wheeled the car along Harding Pike towards Belle Meade.
"But," Melody replied, "she was abused, so much to the point that she turned to a life of crime and terror. I never thought of the far-reaching consequences of Olivia's insanity: Ray, John, Deidre, and you. Everyone, in some way, felt Olivia Maxwell's toxin, and it ate away all that was good."

Ray Marsh...

Melody hadn't given the man a second thought since that day he took his own life. In the rush to close the case, debrief, wrap up any loose ends, Ray Marsh's fate and its consequences were just not given much scrutiny. Melody wished Ray the family man did not go unnoticed, not the Ray Marsh who collaborated with an infamous madwoman and nearly stole an election. The press was all over the moment Ray made that tearful confession after the election. Then the media had a field day when Audra slapped the cuffs on him, and during those agonizing final moments leading up to the man's suicide. During the debriefing, Melody and her colleagues got hold of Ray's personal effects: car and house keys, cash, credit cards, driver's license, and a separate wallet holding what was construed as family photos. Then there was the briefcase which contained papers, more cash, and a handgun. Perhaps Ray intended to kill Charmaine if he ever caught up with her. Well, he didn't – couldn't – do the job, not after his concession speech that revealed all, and his subsequent arrest. However, closer scrutiny of those papers revealed much more about the unusual relationship between Ray Marsh and Charmaine Shade. Seems she had helped him set up the truck hijacking operation, goaded him into using his club as a front for money laundering and drug dealing. Of course, this was all capped with rigging an election via subliminal brainwashing and murder. But there was something else far more damning: Ray had every intention of exposing Charmaine, and not just for a fixed election or multiple murders.
Some time ago, he stumbled upon some of John Eiger's old papers, discovering that the eccentric scientist was in fact Charmaine's biological father. Naturally he put it all together after secretly researching the tragic auto accident that claimed the lives of six teenagers returning from the prom. Deidre Maxwell was one of the victims, and Ray, after learning of the Eiger-Charmaine connection, deduced that Ms. Shade was in reality Deidre. Ray had hoped to confront Charmaine with this information, perhaps admit such on live TV. What else was there in Ray's effects? A hastily scribbled note to Jacob Gallagher which read in part: "Do what you have to do. She has ruined my life for the last time."
What did he mean by that? And what was the connection between Ray Marsh and Dr. Gallagher? Only John Eiger could answer that but when asked, the good scientist did not know Ray and Jacob were acquainted. Reyna and Audra, when they inquired Jacob about the Mary Starr's papers, came away with no answers, not even a shred of information that came close to solving that mystery.

"Jacob Gallagher," said Melody, handing Nydessa another CD to play, "told Reyna that Ray came to him some time ago, but he couldn't or wouldn't elaborate. I would presume both men were working to help John reconnect with Charmaine."
Nydessa frowned a bit, pondering whether Melody sensed another case. She asked, "What was that meeting like? Between Reyna and Dr. Gallagher?"
"Reyna could tell me so much. If you think Eiger is eccentric, Gallagher has him beat hands down. She told me he was really secretive about a few things, and that he is hiding something else. What that is, I don't know."
Then she added with a grin, "And if you're thinking I'll be assigned to investigate Jacob Gallagher, don't worry. Reyna ordered me to take much time off, so I'm yours for the next month or so."

To this Nydessa smiled, her head bobbing to the infectious rhythms and melodies of Destiny's Child. Another thought came to her. She asked, "What about the club? With Ray gone, I suppose it'll be sold." Melody nodded, her eyes still focused on the road. "You're right. Ray's ex-wife is to sell Cosmic Chaos. I have no idea what will happen to the band. They're really good, and it's a shame their career is put in jeopardy because of Ray and Charmaine."

Dessie just shrugged, saying nothing. Instead she leaned back in her seat, taking in the changing scenery. So much different from the overly jammed interstate leading into the city. To her, it seemed like she and Melody sat stuck in traffic forever. Nevertheless, here they were, driving along Belle Meade Boulevard, a far cry from the teeming central city with the skyscrapers and endless crush of vehicles and pedestrians. Here, even the air was different with gently winding streets and avenues. Crowded commercial and dingy industrial districts gave way to a more relaxed, more elegant ambience. Nydessa marveled at the expanse of green space, the stately mansions and well-manicured lawns, stylishly appointed gardens, and those ubiquitous magnolia trees with their large fragrant blossoms and glossy leaves. She had no idea why Melody took this route, or to where the destination.

Something else was on Dessie's mind: Melody's now defunct relationship with Kent Phillips. While everyone awaited Charmaine's outcome – her physical and mental recovery and subsequent legal woes – Kent Phillips had already been arraigned. He was charged with obstruction of justice and interfering with a government investigation. A sensible man, and fully aware of the gravity of his actions, Kent pled guilty then accepted the harsh sentence: ten years imprisonment with five years suspended. He would serve the remainder of his sentence under strict probation. Just before Kent was transferred to Federal prison, Melody visited him one last time. He was very apologetic, fully atoned for what he did and wished his ex-girlfriend well in her future with Nydessa. Melody Starr made it clear she forgave Kent but had no desire to see or hear from him ever again. So sad, thought Dessie, that Kent had ruined his life all because of petty jealousy. Obviously his livelihood is shot to hell; no self-respecting businessman will come near a convicted felon anyway. Nydessa pushed Kent out her mind, as well as Charmaine, although she felt a little sympathy for her former mistress. For all Charmaine's outward elegance and sultriness, the woman harbored a dangerously twisted mind. A woman who suffered tremendously under a ruthless, mentally disturbed mother. She thought of her own parents, now on the road to reconciliation, and she thought of her future with Melody. Part of that future was about to unfold.

°°°°°°

As the car made a final turn, Nydessa's heart skipped a beat. Melody slowed the car, stopping in front of a stately Southern Colonial mansion. It looked as if lifted out of antebellum Dixie with its elegant white exterior, wide porch, and tall columns. The lot itself was especially gorgeous, expansive, so much greenery – numerous magnolia trees and oaks, flowers bursting in brilliant color at every turn. Up the long winding driveway Melody cruised, then turned to Nydessa, saying, "I know you're wondering why I brought you here. This is were I grew up." "
You grew up...Here?"

Nydessa knew Melody was reared by her grandmother, but she never dreamed the woman would live in such a grand place. Wow, she thought, Melody was one lucky girl to have all this. Not that she was lucky to lose her parents the way she did, but here...Her grandmother must be really rich.

"Well," replied Melody Starr, getting out of the car, "from the time of...You know. It was different from what I was used to. My parents had a nice little house in the suburbs, sent me to public school. By the time Grandma took me in, she put me in private school."
She nodded to the imposing red brick Georgian mansion across the street. "See that house? The Ferraras live there. Still live there I think. They got me started in espionage. Mrs. Ferrara – Justine – is a retired CIA agent and taught me everything I know."

She beckoned Nydessa to come with her. Hesitantly, Dessie got out of the car, voicing, "What if she doesn't like me? She will see that I'm too young for you, and you said she's a bit uncomfortable with you being bisexual."
Melody laughed, replying as she rang the front doorbell, "Nonsense! Grandma may come off as a bit old-fashioned – No, I used the wrong word. She's a very broad-minded woman, open to just about everything. But she is quite...How do I put this? 'Old South' type, but not in that way. I mean, she loves tradition and elegance, and it shows in everything she says and does. Don't get me wrong: my grandmother grew up in entirely different circumstances, what with her being biracial and having to hide that from the world."

Nydessa nodded, saying, "Well, I hope she likes me."
"She will. Besides, I told her all about you before we came. She said she's really looking forward to meeting you."

The pair stood on the wide porch for a few moments before the door opened. Nydessa, while waiting, took in the well-appointed porch with its numerous potted plants, the white wrought iron chairs and benches placed just so. An elderly black lady opened the door. Very pretty for a woman who was obviously in her early sixties. Her skin was the color of glossy smooth ebony, the brown eyes warm and kindly, the ready gleaming white smile conveyed a motherly elegance. This was Etta, Martha's housekeeper who had been with her employer ever since Melody was a baby.

"Miss Melody!," she said opening her arms to embrace the woman. "Oh, honey, it's been so long since I've seen you. You look so pretty!"
She glanced at Nydessa, saying, "And you must be Miss Melody's friend. Come on in here, child, and let me get a good look at you."
Nydessa's earlier apprehension melted away as Etta ushered her and Melody inside. Her eyes danced around the grand entry hall, marveling at the many paintings on the wall, the inlaid marble floor, and the gracefully winding staircase.

"Come on into the drawing room," said Etta. "Miss Martha's still out in the back fiddling around with her flowers. Come on in, and I'll get you some refreshment."
"Oh," said Melody, as she took a few turns of the room, looking at all things familiar, "don't trouble yourself, Etta. We'll just wait here for Grandma. She did say lunch will be served–"

Etta interrupted, "Child, since when does anyone come to this house and not be served a cold drink?" She laughed, adding, "Miss Martha told me you wouldn't want to be fussed over, but she said 'Etta, be sure Melody and her friend are made comfortable.' I'm keeping my word, and I've made up some of my special chicken salad for lunch."

After Etta left the room, Melody couldn't help wondering how little things had changed in this house. Everything was in its place as it was during her youth. So many memories dwelled in that house, and Melody had to stifle a sob. Nydessa picked up on this, gently touching her lover on the shoulder, saying, "You were thinking about your folks, and how your grandmother told you what happened."
Melody nodded, saying nothing except, "She made it all right, Dessie. I felt safe here, and with her love and protection, I knew I could deal with my parents' deaths. She's so wonderful, Dessie, but she worries about me so."
"Just like my dad worried about me."

The ladies hadn't long to commiserate together when another elderly lady entered the room. Nydessa noticed her first, an incredibly beautiful woman in her late seventies. This had to be Martha Griggs, Melody's grandmother. How gorgeous she is! Martha, without the aid of a cane, strolled into the room with an air of quiet dignity and grace. She was, as Dessie noticed, a beautiful woman: smooth cafe au lait skin dusted with a hint of powder, liquid brown eyes, lips still full and rosy as in youth. Her clothes were lovely despite her recent sojourn to the backyard garden. Dressed in a stylish lavender shirtwaist dress, matching pumps, and accessorized with pearl necklace and delicate drop earrings, Martha Griggs looked the very picture of grace and gentility.

"Melody, my dear," she said in a voice of the same lilting quality as that of her granddaughter, "How wonderful it is to see you again. You know, you shouldn't worry your old grandma so, what with that awful man and woman who almost stole that election..."

She embraced Melody, holding on fast as if Ms. Starr was the last thing in this world she owned. "Really," said Melody, hugging her grandmother tightly, "I'm all right, and so is...Oh."

In the midst of her own joy of seeing her grandmother, Melody almost forget her manners. Releasing herself from Martha's embrace, she turned to Nydessa, saying, "Grandma, this is Nydessa Charles, the lady I was telling you about."

Martha immediately embraced Nydessa, favorably assessing the girl's appearance and manners. "Melody tells me you're from Ohio. I believe I have family up there, in Cleveland, my mother's folks." Then, as she led the way to the dining room, "You are a lovely girl, Nydessa, and I'm sure you love my Melody as much as she loves you. She says your parents are getting back to together...So important to keep up with your family. I've never let Melody forget about her folks. Now, you must tell me all about your family. I hear your father is a teacher, and your mother is a doctor. How nice..."

Over an delicious luncheon served in Martha's sumptuous dining room (complete with fine china, sterling, and crystal – Nydessa was so impressed), Martha continued to heap praise upon Melody's choice of life partner. Mrs. Griggs proved to be just as Melody described: elegant, genteel, yet warm-hearted and open-minded. She even expressed hope that Melody would ease up on her career in espionage – such work is far too dangerous, and Martha understandingly expressed that concern for Melody whose life changed dramatically in a senseless act of violence.

°°°°°°

A few weeks make all the difference, within which so many lives took a dramatic turn. Two men were dead, two imprisoned, another whose future was uncertain at best, Metacorps lost one of its best agents. And what of the mastermind behind all this chaos? Charmaine Shade AKA Deidre Maxwell was presently spending a good portion of her life in a psychiatric hospital, then the balance of her sentence behind bars. No one ever visited Charmaine, save her lawyers, doctors, and her father John Eiger. He had to resign himself to watching his daughter slowly sink deeper into her madness, and there was little chance of a total recovery. But she was off the streets, put away from the world where she could not charm another innocent girl into doing her villainous bidding.

Back at her Metacorps office, Reyna Paul closed the file on the Shade/Marsh case. Now she could turn her attentions to that cryptic memo delivered just this morning. It was from Jacob Gallagher who wrote, in part:

"It is not over. For there is one more piece to the puzzle. Does the name Donny Marsh ring a bell?"

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