Another Senseless Killing (16) “Why did you lie?” “Don’t answer that, Reid!” “For obvious reasons.” He answered anyway. “My position, my marriage --- need I say more?” What a creep. He deserved all he got --- including a life with Jesse! “I see.” Nick said turning a page in his notebook. “When did you last see her?” “August twenty-forth.” His response was rapid. Cannon put a hand on his client’s arm. “You don’t have to --- “ “It’s okay, Earl. I have nothing to hide.” Cannon was livid. When he spoke his voice was one octave lower. “As you wish, Reid.” Then he crossed his skinny legs and folded his arms. “I want to add at this point that I know nothing about any Curt Warner.” “Reid!” Cannon’s face looked like an overripe beet. “You don’t even have to allude to things like that yet.” “Like hell he doesn’t’!” Nick’s face matched Cannon’s. “And he can talk to us here, or we can go downtown!” “How dare you!” Cannon was on his feet. “This is outrageous. This is --- “ “Sit down, counselor!” Nick’s roar was almost as loud as the jet that greeted us earlier. There were several seconds of silence as a furious Earl Cannon meekly resumed his seat. “I am conducting a homicide investigation, here. Okay? And there are enough holes in this case to sink a fucking ocean liner. So I will take whatever help I can get.” There was more silence as Foley turned several pages in his notebook. “Okay, Senator.” Nick could stay focused in the middle of an avalanche. “Let’s forget about Warner for the moment. Is there anything else you can tell us about your relationship with Kate Blair?” Cannon’s attention was back to his client. “Reid, you don’t have to --- “ “It’s okay, Earl.” Carlson put away his handkerchief and continued, much to his attorney’s dismay. “I figure the more honest I am with them, the better it will go for me.” “It’s not okay. You’re not being realistic.” Cannon shook his head and buried his face in his hands as Carlson cleared his throat and continued. He spoke softly and shakily. “Gentlemen, can we be discreet and keep this conversation between the four of us?” He cleared his throat again. Then he took a long look at the closed bedroom door. “I say all of this with the greatest of candor. My sex life with Jesse --- as Earl will attest to --- has been --- well --- far less than satisfying. And over the past few years it has been --- nonexistent. And I don’t feel that I’m that old --- if you know what I mean.” I knew what he meant. Cannon spun toward his client. “Reid, these remarks are totally inappropriate. It’s not necessary that you --- “ Carlson put his hand on his frustrated lawyer’s arm, halting him in mid-sentence. “On one or two occasions Kate Blair asked me to do drugs with her. I --- “ “Damn it, Reid! As your attorney I’m telling you, you don’t have to volunteer that sort of information.” “Earl, I said I have nothing to hide.” He ran his fingers through his thick white hair again. Then he smiled. “She said she wanted to do drugs with me because --- well, because you do that sort of thing with someone you love.” “Oh, brother!” Cannon rolled his eyes and had to look away. “I knew she was lying, of course.” Carlson continued in spite of his attorney’s protests. “But it was wonderful to hear.” “Gentlemen! This is --- “ Cannon started to speak. Nick cut him off. “Your client is cooperating. Why don’t you?” Cannon’s face was an odd mixture of frustration and wrath. And frankly, as much as I disliked the man, I couldn’t blame him. If I were an attorney and had a client like Carlson, my hands would be around his throat by now. “Senator,” Nick said, “If she were alive today, would you resume your relationship?” There was a long silence before the senator replied. “No. The price I had to pay wasn’t worth it.” Carlson seemed to be having a tough time now. “She got her claws into me and wouldn’t let go. She would call me at the office --- all the time. She made my life a living hell!” Then he softened his tone. “ She would stop at nothing to try and ‘own me.’ But, thank God, she couldn’t.” Nick scribbled noisily. I watched my reflection in Cannon’s shiny black patent leather wing tips. Carlson licked his lips and leaned in closer. “I’ll tell you truthfully --- and this is strictly off the record --- “ He glanced at the closed door, then whispered, “I’m glad she’s dead. I know that’s an awful thing to say --- being glad someone was dead. But in this case --- “ “Are you through with your Goddamn monologue?” Cannon fumed. Carlson was squirming in his seat. “I only thought that --- “ “You’re paying me a lot of money to do your thinking for you. Please! Before you speak, consult with me first.” He turned to Nick. “Now, Lieutenant, is there anything else?” Nick looked at his watch. “Senator, we need to know your whereabouts on the following dates.” He then gave Carlson the dates that corresponded to the murders of Kate Blair and Curt Warner. Carlson and Cannon stared at each other for what seemed like hours. Then Carlson went to a small desk near the window. He rifled through some papers in the bottom left drawer. When he found what he was looking for, he removed it and laid it on the table between us. “I always keep travel receipts.” A large smile suddenly appeared. “You never know when it might come in handy.” Nick picked it up and removed the contents. Then the two of us went through the receipts slowly while the two of them looked on. “As you can see,” The senator said, “the airline tickets and hotel bills show I was in Washington, D.C. during the dates in question.” Nick handed the papers to Cannon. Cannon in turn handed them back to Carlson. “Please check it out.” Carlson said smugly. “I intend to.” Nick’s voice was soft, but his tone was firm. Carlson stood up abruptly and began to rub his hands together nervously. “I --- I didn’t kill her. I didn’t kill anyone.” “Shut up, Reid!” Cannon stood to face his client. The senator from Pennsylvania took out a handkerchief and wiped his face again. Then he turned and stared at the bedroom door. “We will do all we can to not involve your wife.” Nick was a hell of a lot more compassionate than I would ever be. He nodded, then said almost in a whisper. “Thank you.” Nick and I stood up and looked at each other. It was time to call it quits for the day. “Calm, isn’t it?” Nick asked as he peered out the window. “The water, the trees, --- all so --- calm.” An airplane zoomed by. The cottage vibrated. I thought about the porch. “We’re very close to the airport.” Carlson said, reading my mind. “Nice place. Quiet, relaxing --- “ Nick said reaching for a cigar that wasn’t there. “I envy this life of yours.” “Don’t.” Carlson said as he opened the door. “I’m a bad model.” He paused a moment then said to no one in particular, “Next year I’ll be sixty-three. Twenty-four years in Congress is an eternity.” We nodded and left. There were no handshakes and no goodbyes. * XXIII I let the phone ring twelve times. Margo didn’t answer. I figured she was working. Actually, I hoped she was working. I didn’t want her to get involved with anyone except me, even though I knew it was a mistake. Nothing good could ever come of it. My brother-in-law calls me a fuzzy thinker. Maybe he’s right. It was eight p.m. I tried her work number. I knew that even if she were there, she wouldn’t pick up the receiver, but I called anyway. Twelve rings. No answer. I put the receiver back on the cradle, then sat staring at the telephone. Finally I stood up and began to pace slowly. I had to get out of the house. If Nick Foley wasn’t so preoccupied I would call him to play racquetball. I decided to take a long brisk walk instead. Burn off some calories and work off some stress and frustration. My goal would be two miles in thirty minutes. The temperature was in the upper fifties. Perfect. I put on an old Nike warm-up. The faded brown color was ugly, but the price had been right. The Reeboks were new. “Bea.” I yelled up to the bedroom. “I’m going for a walk.” There was no answer. I went to the top of the stairs and listened. I could hear soft snoring emanating from the bedroom. She was asleep. I didn’t know where Arthur was and I didn’t care. Besides Nick and Margo, there was no one I wanted to be with. So I would spend the night alone. No big deal. It wouldn’t be the first time. I closed the door behind me and began my private walk around the block. The houses were all well cared for, mostly stone and stucco or brick. None frame. The lights were on in about half of them. The lawns were a healthy green, and the sidewalks were clean and uncluttered. No one was outside, and only two cars were parked on the street. The others were resting in garages. I could hear an occasional dog barking and cars honking from the next street over. For the most part the neighborhood was quiet. It was pitch black outside, and now it was starting to drizzle. I couldn’t believe the change in the weather. I picked up my pace. There was just enough lamp light to catch a Yugo going by. I shook my head in amazement realizing that some people actually drove them. As I turned the corner, I could see a shadow emerge from a large bush on the corner lot. At first I paid it no mind. Then as I moved, it moved --- stride for stride. I stopped and it stopped. I walked faster and it walked faster. I went from a fast walk to a slow run. The figure continued to keep pace. I ran faster. Now I was half way around the block. The figure was getting closer. How did it know I was going for a walk? Who the hell is it? I considered confronting it, but I’d forgotten my piece. Great! This was no time for blind bravery. I ran faster. It was gaining on me --- step for step. Christ, I was out of shape! Apparently the figure wasn’t. My brave side asked, “What would Sam Spade do?” My cowardly side responded, “Fuck Sam Spade! I’m getting the hell out of here! I’m a lover, not a fighter.” I could see my house now. Only four houses to go. I’ve got to work out more! The drizzle had stopped. The street lamp was out and I couldn’t see two feet in front of me. Two houses to go. Another car sped by. I could almost feel the figure’s breath on my neck. Then I felt something hit me across the back of the head and I went down. The face was next to mine. I was flat on my stomach and couldn’t move. I was groggy but alert enough to hear the fuzzy voice. “Back off the investigation.” The voice was familiar. “The girl that’s dead deserved to die. Now back off!” I could feel the muzzle of a gun against my throat. Then I got whacked again and everything stopped. * I sat up carefully. Everything was spinning and my head hurt like hell. I looked at my watch. At first I saw two faces, then it slowly came into focus. Thank God for luminous dials. “2 a.m.!” I screamed. I’d been lying there for damn near five hours, and not one son-of-a-bitch saw me or came to my rescue. Some fucking neighborhood! I stood up too quickly. The street and sky immediately switched positions. I closed my eyes and put my face in my hands until the dizziness was gone and everything was back where it belonged. My legs were like rubber. The clincher was that I lived only two houses away! Back off! I knew that damn voice. But from where? Shit! I couldn’t think. I could barely move. I half walked, half crawled to my front door. Holding on tight to the doorknob, I slipped the key in the lock and went inside. The only place quieter than outside was inside. I turned off the light downstairs and went up to my bedroom. Bea was still snoring and the TV was on. Arthur was probably home. What would he say to all this? Like he would really give a shit. Some joke! I took off my shoes and lay on the bed. The pain had gone from sharp and excruciating to a tolerable dull throbbing. I knew I should ice my head --- or what was left of it. Going to the closest ER would also be a good idea. But I chose none of the above. I had to get some sleep. Two Advil would have to suffice. Nick will flip when I tell him about this tomorrow --- If I wake up, that is! Jesus! What a morbid thought. I closed my eyes, willing to take that chance. The room began to spin. The throbbing continued. Bea’s snoring and the TV were barely audible. The girl that’s dead deserved to die. “That voice.” I spoke aloud. “Where do I know it from? Where?” * “You were --- what?” Nick asked me half sitting and half standing behind his desk. “You heard me. I was fucking attacked!” His mouth remained open as he slowly sat down. Then he loosened his tie and undid the top two buttons on his shirt, revealing his Saint Christopher medal. “And you say he threatened you?” “Yes! That cocksucker told me to back off the investigation. Those were his exact words.” Nick didn’t respond. He shoved a cigar into his mouth and began to rotate it methodically. “Then --- wham! The fucking lights went out!” Nick shook his head slowly. “I’ll be damned!” “Oh! Then he said something like --- ‘the girl that’s dead deserved to die’ --- or words to that effect.” Nick just stared. “Maybe I got brain damage.” I said as I lit up a Camel, then gawked at the one I’d lit up two minutes ago. Nick smiled. “It would be an improvement.” “Tain’t funny, McGee!” I wasn’t in the mood for his taunting. The pain in my head had finally subsided. It was amazing what four Advil could do. Only now my stomach hurt from the pain medication! “Did you recognize the voice?” Nick asked. I closed my eyes and sat back. “Yes. The problem is I can’t place it.” Nick took the cigar out of his mouth. “Maybe if you --- “ “Wait a minute!” I bolted up and slammed my hands on Nick’s desk, knocking papers everywhere. “The voice had an accent.” I closed my eyes again. I find it easier to think when I’m not in deep pain and the world around me isn’t moving. I rubbed my forehead. Then I gently tugged at my beard. Then I rubbed my forehead again. Nick hadn’t moved an inch. He waited patiently, almost holding his breath the entire time. I took one final drag, policed both butts then tossed them in the waste paper basket. “English.” I said resolutely. I could feel my brain moving. “The accent was English!” * XXIV “Well, well, well.” I said, standing with Nick Foley and Reid Carlson in front of the gun case in an alcove at the mansion. My hands were fists and my blood was boiling. My jaw tightened as I spoke. “I do believe the thirty-eight is back. Now, Senator, how do you suppose that happened?” Carlson scratched his head. “I have no idea. As I told you last time --- “ Nick broke in. “Would you be good enough to get your valet?” “Lorence?” The senator looked bewildered. “What on earth do you want with Lorence?” Nick took a deep breath and stuck his chin out. “I want him to take his key and open that case.” “I --- I don’t understand.” stammered Reid as he took out his key ring. “I have a key.” I put my hand on the key ring and spoke through clenched teeth. “I believe Lieutenant Foley was clear enough. We want Lorence to take his key and open this case.” “Senator.” I could feel Nick’s anger rise with mine. When he wanted to be menacing, he could do it with the best of them. “I won’t ask you again!” “Of course.” Carlson pushed a button on the wall just above the light switch. I wondered why there wasn’t a fancy rope like in all the old horror movies. I didn’t ask. We waited in silence for several minutes. Carlson was ready to push the button again. “You rang, sir?” Lorence seemed to have slithered out of the wall. “Yes.” Carlson put away his keys. “These two men would like to speak with you.” “I am sorry I was late. I was turning Mrs. Carlson’s bed.” His accent was making my stomach quiver. I had always liked English accents, but now I hated them! “Lorence, do you have your keys on you?” Nick asked it as if he were asking a first grader if they had gone to the bathroom yet. The Englishman in the black suit looked warily at his boss. Carlson nodded and Lorence took out a set of keys from his side pocket. “Now.” Nick spoke softly but firmly. “I want you to open that case.” Again Lorence looked at Carlson and again Carlson nodded. The valet responded quietly. “I don’t quite understand --- “ “Just fucking do it!” I roared. Lorence jumped back, startled. “Manny.” Nick put his hand on my arm. Then he pointed to the gun case. Lorence licked his lips and did what he was told. Nick took a pencil from his inside jacket pocket and put it through the trigger mechanism of the thirty-eight caliber pistol. We all looked closely at it from all sides. “Gentlemen.” Reid’s voice broke. “What is going on here?” Nick and I looked at Lorence. Nick spoke. “Do you want to tell the Senator now, or would you prefer to come to police headquarters and tell him?” Carlson’s color disappeared. There was a long silence. Nick wrapped the weapon in a clean white handkerchief. His eyes never left the Englishmen. “There is undoubtedly some hair and tissue on this where it struck Detective Gold last night.” “Gentlemen!” Carlson repeated louder. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Nick pasted on his phony smile. “You’ll know in about two seconds, Senator.” The valet began to breathe hard. Was he going to cry? His gaze darted in every direction, finally resting on the Senator. “I --- I’m sorry sir. I read about a thirty-eight revolver being the murder weapon and --- “ “So,” Nick interjected. “you thought this was it?” “Well --- sir.” Again he looked at his boss. “I --- I just thought it best to remove it, and --- “ “And hit me over the fucking head with it!” I released the fists. My knuckles hurt like hell. “I kept it in my possession for several days, sir.” Now he looked at me. “I didn’t mean to --- “ “Manny, you want to press assault and battery charges?” Nick interrupted. “You have that right.” “No.” I only wanted to kill the son-of-a-bitch! “This prick isn’t worth it.” “I’m sorry. I --- “ Lorence started to speak. He was shaking all over. “Shut up!” My entire insides were raging. “Shut the fuck up!” “Manny, please.” Nick put his hand gently on my arm again. “Well, I see the whole picture now.” Carlson said softly. “I think my attorney should be here.” “Fuck you too, Senator!” I never gave Carlson a chance to respond as I spun toward the petrified Englishman and grabbed him by the collar of his starched shirt. “No. I won’t press charges, you fucking limey bastard! But if you ever pull that shit again, I’ll cut off your fucking gonads and shove ‘em down your fucking throat!” Nick pulled me away as tears began to run down Lorence’s cheeks. I finally let go. Now Nick moved to my right. Both of his hands were on my arms. Reid stood motionless, his eyes bulging and his mouth open. He remained in that position for what seemed like years. Then after several deep breaths, he regained his composure and walked up to his valet, putting his arm around him. “I find this a strong test of a very loyal servant.” Then he turned to Lorence and smiled. “Lorence, I have committed no crimes. But to think that --- “ “This is all very commendable.” I despised Carlson with a royal passion. “I’ll try not to get too maudlin over such fucking sentimental tripe!” He turned to me, fire seeping out of every pore. “How dare you speak to me in that tone, Detective! How dare you --- “ “Okay, fellas.” Nick spoke lightly. “Let’s all be calm.” There was a long uncomfortable silence. Then Carlson turned to his valet and adjusted his tie. “Lorence, are you okay?”
Go to part: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Copyright © 1998 B J Bloch |