The Dollar Dance

Chapter One

There were too many lights spinning around. Too many questions being asked. Too many people in such a small place.

Need to focus, he told himself. There’s so much blood. Her face is so pale. What the hell happened? He had lots of questions too!

Is this her? One of the four security officers asked.

Focus! Answer the question! He started to mouth an answer, but no audible noise came out. She looks so peaceful. What the hell happened?

Sir? Did you hear me? The officer asked, placing his hand on the young man’s shoulder.

Don’t touch me! He brushed the chubby hand off his shoulder. Why won’t she wake up?

Is this your wife? A female security guard asked, stepping next to the young man. Sir?

Yes, he grunted, as if answering affirmatively would make the situation any more desperate. Yes, that’s her. He reached down and stroked the hair away from her face. Can anyone tell me what the hell happened?

******

The doctor stood in the small consultation room, fumbling with his mauve surgical mask. His hands were hard and dry, and he rubbed his palms as he waited for his words to take effect. Sitting across from him was a young man, Cooper Rolden, about twenty-four years old, along with several representatives of his family and the deceased’s family. The surgeon’s words had an immediate effect on everyone but the stoic young man. He had remained quiet, staring at the pale red, disposable covers over the surgeon’s white tennis shoes.

Cooper’s mind raced from time and place. He thought of people and events that happened long ago, and he wondered briefly of their importance at this particular moment. He had just been given devastating news, and, although he was emotionally devastated, his physical countenance remained unchanged. Over and over again, he told himself that he should have known this would happen. But then again, how could he have possibly imagined that of all times, his honeymoon, and all places, a women’s restroom, he would lose her? Somehow, he still should have known.

I’m sorry, Mr. Rolden. There was too much swelling. The hemorrhaging in her brain caused severe arrest. He paused to gauge the reaction of those listening. To be honest, she was dead before we got her.

After the doctor had explained some of the intricate aspects of Laura’s death, given statistics on the number of patients who live after a serious head trauma, and again offered his condolences, he left the families to absorb the information and rationalize Laura’s untimely death.

I’m going to take a walk, Cooper announced solemnly to the hushed room. I’ll be back in a little bit. He stood and adjusted his shirt for no reason. He thrust his hands deeply into his pockets and walked slowly out the door. No one tried to stop him.

The air in the room had grown stifling, and Cooper hoped that a little fresh air might make him feel better. He passed through a set of double doors and walked unhindered in front of a busy nurse’s station. He had no destination and followed a blue line painted in the middle of the floor. The line laid a distinct trail through the hallway and to the elevators. His eyes never looked up as his feet fell soundlessly on the tile floor. Each foot was placed directly in front of the other, and he walked as if trying to balance himself on the blue line.

He tried not to think about Laura but knew it was impossible to even consider such a feat. He wanted to look strong so that no one would worry about him. His mother would consume him with sympathy, and he was sure that someday he might appreciate it. His father would serve as a model of emotional stability, remaining strong while those around him fell apart. He was not sure how Laura’s parents were going to react to their daughter’s death, and, frankly, at that moment he was not too worried about it.

He had had his emotional moments the night before when it became apparent that she was not going to make it. The doctor had spoken with him shortly after they brought Laura through the emergency room doors and had prepared him for the likelihood that she would not live. After her surgery, Cooper was allowed to sit with her in the intensive care, and he remained at her side all through the long, horrible night. She never moved or made a sound while she lay in the sterile hospital bed, and Cooper cried for a long time. When the surgeon announced that Laura had died, he did not know how to feel. He had always struggled with his emotions, and over the years he had done such a god job of suppressing them that he wondered if he still possessed them. The next few days would necessitate a rediscovery of his emotional fortitude.

After a few minutes of wandering, Cooper was alone in the waiting area of the emergency room. He had seen this place for the first time less than six hours ago. He had not paid any attention to its decor and did not notice the painting of the ancient Biloxi coastline hanging on the eastern wall. He knew all too well that the coastline captured on the canvas did not exist anymore, and in his mourning for his dead wife, he also grieved the loss of such a beautiful scene.

He stood gazing at the painting when the emergency room doors flew open, and a swarm of nurses and doctors appeared ready to do battle. A gurney similar to the one his wife rode on was brought through the doors by the same paramedics that had taken care of Laura. For her, there was no army of medical personnel waiting, so he guessed that this was some dignitary whose mere existence necessitated three doctors and seven nurses.

The hospital staff went to work on the man as they wheeled him into the building. From his vantage point, Cooper could see that whoever it was had lost a great deal of blood based on the redness of the sheets trying to cover his wounds. Just as the nurses started to peel back the victim’s shirt, the doors to the trauma room snapped shut. Shortly, the paramedics reappeared and began gathering their medical supplies to return to the ambulance.

We haven’t had this much action in a long time, one of the paramedics said. And to tell you the truth, I hope we don’t see it again.

Amen to that, the other replied. She finished signing a clipboard she was carrying and returned it to the admittance desk. I wonder how that young woman fared. She was in pretty bad shape.

Well, I can tell you right now, that guy we just brought in isn’t going to make it, the third paramedic exclaimed. So we could be zero for two if she... He looked up from his work and saw that the other two paramedics we’re giving him the signal to be quiet. One of his colleagues motioned with his head to where Cooper was standing as if in a daze. The paramedic went back to what he was doing without another word.

Cooper realized that they were looking at him so he forced a weak smile. Hi, he muttered. I appreciate all that you tried to do for Laura. He paused for a moment and swallowed hard. She didn’t make it.

We’re sorry, the female paramedic replied, crossing over to Cooper and putting her hand on his shoulder. I wish we could have done more.

Changing the difficult subject, Cooper asked, Who did you just bring in? I noticed all the hired help.

Without looking at the other paramedics, the woman shook her head as if to imply that they were not allowed to discuss who they had just delivered to the ER.

Oh, OK, Cooper replied recognizing their reluctance to divulge sensitive information. Thanks, again.

The woman reached out and grabbed his arm. She squeezed it before turning to leave. The other paramedics nodded their heads and started toward their ambulance. The door shut swiftly behind them. Cooper turned and tried to look down the hall to the trauma rooms, but could see nothing. He walked slowly back toward the third floor where his parents and in laws were waiting to help him deal with his grief.

On his way he passed the hospital chapel and entered the quiet dark room. When the doors closed behind him it took a minute or two for his eyes to get accustomed to the dimness of the chapel. When he could see a little better, he walked up to the front of the closet sized room and sat in the first row of pews. He was not there to pray, so he sat, consumed in misery, enshrouded in the silence for a while.

Chapter Two

Cooper had crapped out several hours before midnight. All of his allotted funds had gone quickly. His downfall had been his greedy enthusiasm to get rich quickly – but isn’t that the whole point of gambling? There was no pace to his amusement, no cadence for the disappearing tokens. As a result of his unbridled hedonism, he was out of available cash long before he had planned. He was forced to sit at the bar and watch his wife move from machine to machine with the skill of a Vegas veteran.

The extra day of their honeymoon had not been planned for, so no expectations were established. Laura’s sister had sprung a dollar dance on them at the wedding reception. Though neither the bride nor the groom was too thrilled about the idea, it did buy them an additional twenty-four hours along the Gulf of Mexico.

Cooper was mad at himself. Several times he contemplated pulling the plastic out of his wallet to buy him more time and tokens. But his better sense took control and he decided to focus on drinking the free beverages and watching the pretty waitresses – and keeping tabs on his new wife, who had been immediately sucked in by the great slot magnet.

Finishing his drink, Cooper followed her as she scanned the floor, madly searching for an open stool. When none could be found, she stood like a vulture, looking for someone to run out of tokens. She didn’t have to wait long, for an elderly woman, slightly overweight, began struggling to get free from the stool’s grasp. The woman rocked the chair back and forth before gaining enough momentum to swing her legs around to the side and hop off the stool with amazing dexterity. The vinyl covering on the pad didn’t have a chance to cool before Laura jumped on board.

It was a quarter machine, so Cooper knew he had a few minutes to kill. Walking around the floor of the casino, he watched with great interest as the workers made sure that everyone was happy, or at least spending money. Since Cooper was not gambling or did not have a drink in his hand, he was an obvious target.

"Can I get you something to drink?" a shapely girl of twenty-two asked as she rushed to the bar to get an order for another patron. She looked back at Cooper awaiting his answer.

"Yeah, sure, Cooper replied loudly, speaking over the clanging and dinging of the machines that surrounded him. Beer."

She motioned to the bartender for another draft and began rearranging the napkins on her small, round drinks tray. Cooper walked up beside her and waited for his beer.

"Have you been here before?" the young woman asked after finishing her preparations for the arrival of the drinks.

"No, this is our first time, Cooper explained. We’ve been on the boats in St. Louis, but they’re not quite the same as this." He motioned with his arm toward the gaming floor.

"We? she asked with a hint of disappointment in her voice. Here with your wife?" The beers and several mixed drinks began to arrive, and she placed them on the awaiting napkins. She handed one to Cooper.

"Yes, Cooper said. We’re on our honeymoon. It was strange to him to be telling a beautiful young woman that he was on his honeymoon. The words almost stuck in his throat, and he had to force them out. She’s over there playing slots." He pointed with his head as he took a drink of his beer.

"Well, you’d better get over there before she spends all of your money, the waitress remarked with a forced smile. If you’ll excuse me." She bowed slightly and left the bar to deliver the other drinks.

Cooper had watched her go, before continuing his tour around the huge floor of the casino.

******

Long after the surgeon had come and delivered his message, the distraught party of Laura’s relatives and in-laws began to disband. Since most had flown down at a moment’s notice, no reservations for over-night accommodations had been made. They called the airlines and reserved return flights back for the next day and set out to find a place to spend the night.

Cooper stayed at the hospital for several hours after the families departed. There were papers to sign and arrangements concerning the transportation of her remains to St. Louis, but that was taken care of with relative ease and rapidity. Something held him there – he did not want to leave Laura alone in the cold room at the hospital.

It was close to dinner before he ventured outside. He walked down the adjacent street until he came to a local restaurant. He ate the first of many lonely meals, and had difficulty swallowing around the huge lump that had amassed in his esophagus.

He thought of their arrival in coastal Alabama, and the first night of their honeymoon. He remembered that first evening:

The view from their hotel balcony was impeded by a massive condominium, but there were small peeks of blue water on either side. When no cars were driving down the boulevard, the sound of the water splashing on the shore could be faintly heard around the twenty five story concrete barrier.

Cooper had pushed open one of the doors and walked onto the small balcony. The concrete floor was clean and the wooden railing was severely showing its age. Cooper made a mental note not to lean heavily on the rotting rail. After attempting to get a clear view of the beach, he looked either way up the street running parallel to the beach. Hordes of people stood on the far side of the road, waiting for an opening to return to their rooms on the other side. Cooper watched for a few minutes before deciding it was time to take a walk on the beach.

Leaving the balcony door open he entered the suite and walked to the kitchen. After a quick examination of the appliances, he determined that a twelve pack of beer would fit nicely into the small refrigerator. He went into the bedroom where Laura was putting the finishing touches on the unpacking ceremony.

Should we go take a walk before we get something to eat? Cooper asked as he bounced on one of the beds. It looks pretty nice out there.

Sure, Laura replied. That sounds like a great idea. Let me change into some shorts and a tee shirt, and I’ll be ready to go. She took some clothes out of a drawer and started to walk to the bathroom.

I can help you change, if you’d like, Cooper suggested. The smell of the salt air and refreshing breeze had made him want to make love to his beautiful young wife, and he hoped she was in the mood as well.

I’d like that, she said as she stopped in front of him.

Within seconds, clothes were peeled and piled on the floor. For a few minutes the walk on the beach and other less important matters were forgotten. They were lost in a passion deeper than either had ever experienced – that either had ever imagined. It was not their first time – but it felt different.

Far too quickly for both of them, the encounter was over and Laura lay snuggled in Cooper’s embrace. The humidity clung to their skin as they struggled to catch their breath.

I love you, Laura whispered. More than anything else in my life.

I love you, Cooper returned as he squeezed her naked body into his own. He held her tightly and felt the rise and fall of her breathing come into syncopation with his own. It was then that he knew what people meant when they talked about ‘two becoming one.’ He wanted to hold her forever, but she began to squirm as if she wanted to get up.

Excuse me, she whispered, as she pushed herself up from the bed. Laura stood for a moment and looked down at Cooper lying on the bed. She smiled shyly and bent down to pick up her clothes that had fallen to the floor. Scampering to the bathroom, she slowly closed the door until the lock clicked into place.

Cooper lay still for a minute before deciding to put his clothes back on. He stood and pulled his shorts and tee shirt over the sweat on his skin. He looked at the mirror across the room and saw that his hair looked like he had just made passionate love to his wife. After running Laura’s brush across his scalp, he went back out onto the balcony to wait for her to be finished in the bathroom.

After a few minutes, he heard movement in the suite, and he turned and went back in. After closing the sliding door, he walked back toward the bedroom. Laura met him in the kitchen, and she smiled sheepishly at him. He loved it when she did that – tilting her head slightly to the right and pulled her shoulders up just a little.

You look lovely, Mrs. Rolden, Cooper said, taking her into his arms again.

I’m glad you like it, she replied. I wore it just for you.

I’ve decided to take you on a special night while we’re here, Cooper said. Dinner, dancing and some other festivities. I won’t take no for an answer.

And where are you going to get the money to do so, Mr. Rolden? she replied. This suite will eat into out fun money.

We will use the money from the dollar dance at the reception and…well, let’s just say that I received a rather generous donation from some people, he said. It came with explicit instructions to take you to a fun place.

I’ll bet it was my father, she said. I told him not to do that. He tried to give me that money, but I wouldn’t take it. She crossed to the door. How much did he give you?

I’m sorry, Miss, Cooper replied. You are incorrect. Besides, that’s classified information. He joined her at the door. We’ll go Thursday night. It will be a great way to top off our honeymoon.

Where are we going? she asked. Some nice place on the beach. Something romantic, candle light, dancing?

It’s a surprise, Cooper said. You’ll just have to wait. I’ve already made the arrangements, so the case is closed.

She looked into his eyes and knew that it was useless to press the matter. Okay, I’ll wait. Now what about that walk on the beach? Let’s go now, so we can get dinner soon. I’m starving.

I bet you are, he said as he pinched her on the butt. I’m sure you worked up an appetite.

She blushed and turned to lead him out the door. He followed close behind her and pinched her butt again. Her shriek echoed through the hall and down the stairs.

Chapter Three

The casinos were big business in Biloxi and her sister, mini-Vegas, Gulf Port. The gaming architects had tried to use every available space to maximize profits. Slot machines and video poker devices stuck out from every corner and nook. He estimated that there were over five hundred gambling machines on that floor alone, and the casino had three other floors.

After ten minutes, Cooper returned to the area where Laura was continuing her deluge of coins into the gaping mouth of the slot machine. He looked into her bucket and saw that she still had plenty of tokens to keep her occupied. So he found a seat at a vacant poker machine.

They sat for a while at their respective machines before Laura was ready to see what the rest of the casino looked like. She walked over to Cooper and told him she was ready to move elsewhere. He finished the hand he was playing before cashing out his paltry earnings. He rushed to catch up with Laura who was already ascending the stairs to the next level. It looked very similar to the floor they had just been on, except it had a younger theme, with a grill, a disc jockey, and slot and poker machines geared toward the Generation X congregation. There were devices with sports themes, movie stars and scantily clad cyber-women.

"This looks like an interesting place, Cooper yelled to Laura over the thumping stereo speakers. Did you need something to drink?" He grabbed her arm and started leading her toward the bar.

"Sure, she replied. I’ll have a light beer."

Cooper placed the order and turned back toward the din of activity and noise that filled the entire third floor of the boat. He and Laura watched the people buzz around the room, stopping and sliding tokens into the numerous gambling appliances. Laura looked down at the bucket in her hand and motioned toward a nearby slot machine that was vacant at that moment. Cooper nodded and watched her bounce toward the apparatus fashioned like a scene from a horror movie. He turned back to the bar and drank his beer alone.

******

Cooper sat in one of the administration offices in the hospital waiting for the final documents: insurance forms and death certificate. Arrangements had been made for him to escort his wife’s body back to St. Louis on a flight leaving Biloxi later that afternoon. Both families had left earlier that morning, and Cooper felt completely alone for the first time since Laura’s accident. He tried to force his mind to remember more of the good times he and Laura had shared, but his head ached from thinking too much. His brain preferred inactivity at the moment, so he stared at a photograph on the secretary’s desk.

The talk of the morning at the hospital had been about the Jackson murder. Cooper had eavesdropped on countless conversations on the subject, and had heard many different opinions on who was responsible for the murder. Some theorized that the growing influence of gangs were responsible, to others it looked like a random act of violence, and still some people decided it was a robbery attempt that was blotched.

Normally Cooper could have cared less. It was after all just another murder -- St. Louis had three hundred every year. So it wasn’t the idea of a man being shot repeatedly that interested him. Cooper was drawn into the general hubbub about the incident because of the closeness in proximity to the boat that he and Laura were on. He wondered if they had seen him at the Copa, not that they would have recognized him.

Had it not been for the tragedy that happened in the women’s room that night, he would have had a great story to tell when he got home.

It was close to noon when a short, stout man appeared at the door of the office. He was dressed in a Biloxi policeman’s uniform, and he held a black folder in his hand. He tapped lightly on the door jam.

Mr. Rolden? he asked after rousing Cooper from his meditation.

Yes, Cooper replied after clearing his throat. I’m Cooper Rolden.

My name is Officer George Majors of the Biloxi police department, he introduced himself as he stepped into the office. They told me I would find you here. He adjusted the folder in his hand. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Cooper nodded his consent and motioned to a chair next to his.

I’m here in reference to your wife’s accident on the night of June 7th -- two nights ago, he explained as he opened the folder and pulled out several sheets of paper.

I already gave a statement to the police and security officers at the Copa, Cooper revealed. I told them...

Mr. Rolden, if you wouldn’t mind answering a few more, the officer interrupted. I’m curious about a couple of things. He was business-like and to the point. His voice showed very little emotion, and he spoke clearly, unlike so many who have fully developed their southern drawl.

What do you mean? Cooper asked. Was something wrong with my statement?

No, no, nothing like that, the officer assured him. The security guards at the Copa on the night of the seventh claimed that after a thorough search of the women’s rest room on the upper level, where the accident occurred, they found some things that were out of place. I want to make sure that I had a chance to talk with you before you left for... He stopped for a second and checked one of the forms in his hand. ...before you left for St. Louis.

What things did they find? Cooper asked with a heightened interest.

First of all, one of the guards claimed to have found a window open when they got to the rest room, he explained. Do you remember any mention of the window?

Yes, come to think of it, Cooper replied after a moment of thought, I do remember one of the guards mentioning something about an open window. But as you can guess, I was a little preoccupied at the time to consider what he said.

In addition to the window, the policeman continued without commenting on Cooper’s point, the security personnel also found, when they searched the rest room later, some clothing in one of the stalls. Since your wife was the only one in there, they thought the articles might be yours.

Mine? Cooper asked. Why would they think that the clothes were mine?

Because the clothing found in the women’s rest room were men’s clothing, the officer explained. The security office at the Copa said they forwarded a package to you here with the clothes. Did you not receive them?

No, I did not, Cooper replied. Maybe they kept them to give to me later. I don’t know.

Would they have been yours? the officer asked as he jotted information down on a pad.

No. The only clothes I brought from our hotel were the ones I had on my back. Cooper stopped and thought for a minute. Why would men’s clothes be in the women’s bathroom?

That’s what we’re trying to find out, the officer answered sharply. He thought for a moment. I’m sure someone left them long before your wife came into the facility. He re-shuffled the papers and put them back into the folder. One more thing, Mr. Rolden, he said, and then I will close the matter.

Close what matter? Cooper asked. Is there something else you’re not telling me?

Ignoring Cooper’s question, the officer asked, Did your wife have any medical problems that would make her black out or have a seizure?

No. Not that I know of, Cooper admitted. She was in pretty good shape. Why?

Well, he replied hesitantly, the floor was not wet when the guards came in and there was nothing on the floor to cause her to trip. The point was brought up in the insurance claim that she might have blacked out or passed out from alcohol use.

I see what you’re getting at, Cooper said with agitation. They’re trying to make it sound like it wasn’t their fault this happened. Do they think I’m going to sue them? I’ve got more important things to worry about than whether or not she slipped on a puddle of water, or that a tile was loose and she died as a result of their negligence. He defiantly stood up. "I’m not going to sue the Copa Casino, even though I’m sure they could afford whatever amount I would be awarded. Listen, sir, my wife is dead, and, regardless of whose fault it is, we’re