RED AND GOLD

RED AND GOLD

The trip had been bumpy.

The lights of New Orleans were a very welcome sight.

It was just about a year ago since Jim Henderson had accepted

the position of Goodwill Representative for a major American oil

company in Dallas, Texas.

“I am beginning to get tired of the fundraisers,” Jim said to his

wife, Louise.

     “Honey, this one is special, and a bit different, as well,” she

replied showing her own support. “New Orleans is in need, and

Mardi Gras is about to begin. A masquerade party will surely be

both fun and supportive. Your company made a healthy donation

for the cause.”

Besides costumes, the Party Committee had strongly

encouraged everyone to wear a mask made up of their school

colors. It was felt that with faces covered up, acquaintances would

recognize each other by their hat colors. Also, people who had

never met would know something about a potential, new

acquaintance.

 “Many will wear costumes, and almost everyone will wear

masks bearing their school’s colors. I remembered to bring two red

and gold face masks, the fashionable style, of course,” Louise added.

“Perhaps there will be other red and gold masks at the fundraiser.”

         “Perhaps,” he responded.

         “Mr. Henderson, we will have a good time tonight,” she said

assertively and with a smile.

         “Yes, I expect so. We must not stay too long. It’s already been a

long day. We’ll leave just after the fireworks,” he responded.

         No argument and no discussion.

         Jake, Joey and Tongo wore red and yellow masks that would

help serve them to keep track of each other. They had delivered the

“extra” ice and liquor as ordered. Each wore simple but different

costumes and would blend well into the geography. No one had

questioned their handling of the delivered items. Their masks were

in place.

         “Here’s what we know,” Tongo said in a hushed voice. “He will

be wearing a red and gold mask. We think that her dress will be

red.”

         “I checked things out,” Jake added. “Fireworks at midnight.

Must be ready to act and act fast. The Liquor Service van will be

ready and waiting. There will be many distractions occurring to

help us.”

         “I’ll be ready,” Tongo interjected with a nod.

         The festivities began as scheduled.

         The plan for the contract murder was set in motion, as well.

         Louise and Jim arrived at the event as planned and

immediately felt the energy that awaited them.

         The humidity was high, even on this February evening. The

mask caused Jim to sweat slightly and beads of perspiration began

to bother Louise.

         Jim would have been sweating more than slightly if he knew

the contract for murder involved him.

         A red and gold mask approached Louise and Jim, greeting

them with a deep voice. After a brief chat, they shook hands and

parted.

         “Young whippersnapper,” he whispered to his wife. “Wish I

didn’t have my mask in place. I don’t think he was feeling any pain.”

         “There are a few of those at every party,” Louise remarked.

         “We must get a drink immediately,” Louise insisted.

         “Come, Louise. Then let’s go get one,” Jim agreed.

         Once again, no argument and no discussion.

         It might have been their secret to survival!

         The bars were open for drinks upon arrival.

         Thirty minutes later music filled the large room and dancing

commenced almost immediately. The fact that most all donned

masks seemed to quash any shyness factors that might have been

lurking throughout the thickening party.

         At one point a blue and silver mask decided to entertain the

partygoers with his renditions of a few jazz songs while the band

took a break.

         It was fun. It was elegant. It was different. It was Mardi Gras!

         The Hendersons decided to leave before the fireworks at

midnight. They were growing tired fast. The long day and humidity

had drained their energy. They wanted to look rested for their

television Channel 10 News interview on the following afternoon

regarding the respected fund-raising party.

         Fireworks exploded as scheduled at midnight. Bright bursts of

color and thunderous bangs were an exuberating interruption into

the regularities of a jubilant party.

         Tongo spotted his target and moved swiftly. Jake and Joey

followed closely. Tongo wrapped his thick arm around the chest of

the Red and Gold as he stumbled in the direction of the men’s

restroom.

He stuffed the red smelly handkerchief to his nose. Tongo

motioned to Jake and Joey as they began to pass him.

        “Help me get him out of this room! He needs some fresh air

quick!” Tongo yelled.

         Jake and Joey rapidly whisked the Red and Gold through the

two sets of doors and into the awaiting van and let him drop to the

floor. Jake locked the doors as Joey jumped into the driver’s seat

and turned the key. He slowly backed the van to the back of the

alley where Tongo had parked his car. The three of them

transferred the Red and Gold to Tongo’s car. Joey sat in the back

seat with the Red and Gold laying across his legs. Joey’s right hand  

held the smelly handkerchief snugly over his nose. His left hand

removed the victim’s mask.

         Mission accomplished!

         Ditch the evidence. Remove oneself from the crime, quickly.

To the bayou at once and let the water do its job. It had been easy.

Payoff would come later.

         It was all well planned and well executed.

         Later the next day, all could be found to be well and rested

with one exception.

         Louise and Jim Henderson were rested and ready for their live

television interview.

         The technical filming lights were hot. Jim was a bit sweaty and

Louise felt small beads of perspiration beginning to form. The

interview was about to start.

         The one exception, a once Red and Gold, floated wet and

lifeless in the bayou. Sadly, he had not yet been missed.

         Joey, Jake and Tongo were starving.

         Two pepperoni pizzas were delivered.

         Tensions and excitement had settled. Time to relax. Stabilize.

         “Let’s turn on the television,” Tongo suggested. “The News

show has already started.”

         The Hendersons were being interviewed.

         “The party last night was exhilarating, and much money was

raised for New Orleans and the needed reconstruction after the

hurricane,” Jim said proudly.

         Jakes pizza slice slipped from his hand to slap onto the floor.

         Jaws dropped. They all looked at each other. How? What?

         A fine job, but . . .

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