So, that's who he was looking for. That woman was raped? When he put a face to the name, the rape took on a chilling new significance. Strange Loraine didn't mention Tammy was at the party. And she referred to Tammy as her best friend, yet he didn't recall them talking. Plus, Loraine must be twenty years older.
"You might not remember me as you were fully occupied checking out Loraine, who appeared rather wild, by the way. She indeed has kept herself together. Not bad for seventy."
"Wha...Loraine, seventy?" Ray tightened his grip on the antique cup and Towson noticed his astonishment.
"In that neighborhood someplace. Yes, must give her credit. Always worked out, took care of her body. So, why do I have the honor of you at my doorstep?"
Ray didn't have a ready answer. He was still working on the image of Loraine squirming naked on the motel bed teasing him at the age of seventy.
Being evasive didn't seem to be a good tactic. He had to get things moving and was running out of time. With all his casual conversation, the man didn't appear to have heard about the rape. He took a chance. "In fact, it's Tammy I'm looking for."
"Oh, that's right, you're new in town. In the market for some property, are you? Well, Tammy can certainly use the business. She's struggling right now." He studied Ray's face for a moment, then frowned and took a menacing step toward him. "Wait a minute, I smell a rat. Why come here for Tammy? You want a Realtor you let your fingers do the walking." His genteel manner was gone. "I don't like people who use deception to get into my private home. I can see it now in your shifty eyes. What are you after?"
He stared fiercely at Ray, raised his fist and then unexpectedly slammed it on the kitchen counter rattling dishes in a kitchen cabinet. Ray flinched. To his horror, the cup fell from his hand to the marble tiled floor. Pieces scattered like confetti. Hot coffee burned his fingers and splashed on his ankle.
Towson ignored the broken cup. "What's going on, fella?" He was almost at Ray's nose now with his eyes narrowed and full of fire. "You didn't even know she was a Realtor did you? Who sent you? Are you after her or me?"
"You're right, I didn't know she was a Realtor." Ray struggled to speak, his hand and his ankle burning severely. Trying to think fast he lied, "I misunderstood. I thought it was her own property she was trying to sell."