“People use an unmarked gun to commit a crime, so it can’t be traced back to them.”
Peterson’s face tightened. “It’s never cut and dry, is it?”
“Perhaps it wasn’t suicide, after all.” Malone cracked his knuckles. “Keep digging.”
“We should have hauled Kemp in here and tested him for GSR.”
“Kemp reached for the gun as it went off. So, he’d be covered with GSR, too.” Malone thought about a series of events that occurred once someone shot a gun. When gunpowder is ignited, it’s converted into a gas. This caused pressure to build up in the cartridge, which, in turn, propelled the bullet down the gun barrel at a high velocity. The bullet exploded from the gun muzzle, spewing out a smoky residue about three to five feet into the air.
Peterson raised her finger. “Plus, he said he touched the deceased, checking for a pulse.”
“You can pick up GSR like that, too. Transference, from one person to another.”
“If Kemp killed his business partner, he’s one cold, calculating character.”
Malone felt himself growing irritated. The more he thought about Kemp, the more he disliked him. “He’s not smarter than us, though. And that’s how we’re going to catch him.”
“I’m with you on that.”
“Keep reviewing the facts of the case. And let me know what else you come up with.”
Malone got to his feet and moved to the window. Outside, he saw a male and female police officer in the parking lot, escorting several suspects toward the building—all in handcuffs. It’s like a zoo in here, he thought. With the crime rate was souring in Miami, it seemed like the department was one of the busiest places in the city.
Chapter 22
Excited to attend the Happy Hearts Charity’s annual celebration, Karen Malone dashed into the Embassy Inn, an elegant three hundred room hotel. She wore a dark maroon pantsuit with a white blouse. Smiling, she rushed into the hotel’s decadent ballroom, with glittering crystal chandeliers, royal red carpeting, and dark wood paneling everywhere. There were forty-five banquet tables, covered with white table clothes, all with beautiful floral bouquets as center pieces. Along the back wall was a long buffet table, filled with hors d’oeuvres and bubbling glasses of Champagne. She took a seat at a crowded table, right next to her best friend, Cindy Cox. Smiling, they nodded at each other. They looked up at the stage, staring at the charity’s host, who was getting ready to introduce the guest of honor—Roger Kemp.
“Thank you for attending the Happy Hearts Charity’s fund raiser,” the host said. “We’re honored to have you here with us tonight.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Kemp said, standing on the stage, right next to her.
“You’re a real power of example.”
Kemp cleared his throat. “I believe in your charity’s cause.” He sounded sincere. “Everyone should pitch in to help.”
“You’ve done so much to help stop child abuse.”
Kemp gave her a quick smile. “No child should be harmed, especially by their parents.”
“You are such a blessing to our charity. Because of your financial generosity, we’re going to be able to keep our shelter open for another year.”
“That means a lot to me.” Kemp looked pleased. “Nothing could make me happier.”
“We’ll continue to provide children with key services. Foster care, adoption, residential treatment care, things like that.”
“I’ll never give up the fight.” Kemp gazed at the crowd. “Not until I take my last breath.”
“On behalf of the Happy Hearts Charity, we’d like to honor you with an award.”
Kemp stood still, flashing his smile at the crowd. He looked like he was having a good time, like there was no other place in the world he’d rather be. “Honestly, you didn’t have to go through all this trouble on my account,” he said, his tone serious. “I’m just an ordinary guy, trying to give back to the community.”
“Oh, stop it,” the host said. “Everyone knows what a wonderful person you are.”
Kemp beamed. “I’m speechless.”
“With that said, I’d like to present you with this year’s man of the year award.”
“Thank you.” Kemp took the plaque and held it high above his head. “I’m flattered.”
Everyone in the ballroom stood up and clapped their hands. Some people raised their Champagne glasses, toasting to his financial generosity. Other people placed two fingers into their mouths and whistled loudly. Kemp bowed low to the ground and blew a kiss at the crowd. Smiling, he hurried off the stage, disappearing behind the red curtains.
“How have you been holding up?” Cindy asked.
“Not good,” Karen said, shaking her head. “To tell you the truth, I’m a nervous wreck.”
“Do you miss him?”
Karen’s heart skipped a beat. She was trying to come to terms with how she felt about leaving her husband. “I think about him, if that’s what you mean. We’ve been together for a long time.”
Cindy gave her a serious look. “I think you should try to work things out with him.”
“Well, I have mixed feelings about it.”
“Just reach out to him, that’s all. It’ll make you feel better.”
Karen didn’t want to get back together with her husband, only to have things stay the same way. She was tired of the same old song and dance. “I’ve been down this road before.” Her voice toughened. “And a leopard never changes its spots.”
“He’s rough around the edges. But he’s still a good man.”
“I don’t doubt that.”
Cindy laid a hand on her shoulder. “You should make up with him.”
Karen felt a flash of anger. She was sick of her husband breaking his promises to her.
“It’s not as easy as that.” Her voice was sharp. “He loves his whiskey more than me.”
“You’re being a bit melodramatic, don’t you think?”
“No, I don’t.”
Cindy heaved a great sigh. “I just think that—”
“Look, I have a splitting headache. Let’s get another glass of Champagne.”
Karen marched through the ballroom, heading toward the long buffet table. The room was packed with people, some sitting at their tables, others mingling with the crowd. She past a group of people, engaged in a discussion about how philanthropists were benefiting the world. Weaving through the crowd, she walked past four couples, who stood close together, laughing and exchanging business cards. She picked up a bubbling glass of Champagne and took a sip.
“It’s crowded,” Karen said, a little out of breath. “We’re packed in here like sardines.”
“Excuse me?”
Karen turned around and saw Kemp standing in front of her. He was dressed in a charcoal pinstriped suit with a white shirt and a red power tie. His brown hair was neat and his white teeth were straight and even. When he smiled, two dimples formed on his handsome face, one on either side of his mouth. He seemed self-confident and sure of himself.
“Oh, Mr. Kemp,” she said, covering her heart with one hand. She was shocked to be in his presence. “I didn’t expect to see you standing there.”
Kemp gave her a skeptical look. “You think I smell like a dead fish?”
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean it like that.” Karen felt embarrassed. “I was just telling my girlfriend how crowded it is in here.”
“Who are you referring to?” Kemp looked around the room. “It looks like you’re alone.”
“She was right behind me, just a second ago.” Karen turned around and looked across the ballroom. She spotted Cindy, her arms crossed, listening to a couple talking a mile a minute. She shrugged her shoulders, as if to say I’m trapped for the time being.
“I’m Roger Kemp,” he said, sticking out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh, forgive my manners,” she said, shaking his hand. “Karen. Karen Malone.”
“This is a great place to meet people who have similar int
erests.”
Karen suddenly felt week at the knees. She had to admit he was extremely charming. “Oh, I can see that. I have a heart for abused children, too.”
“Every month, at least fifty babies are born to drug addicted mothers.”
Karen’s heart sank in her chest. “I never realized that.”
“Of all prison inmates, at least eighty percent were abused as children.”
“I didn’t know that, either.”
“Three out of one hundred thousand children die each year from physical abuse.”
Karen was impressed by his level of knowledge. Because he was one of the largest financial contributors to Happy Heart’s charity, she knew had to have a big heart. “It’s great that you’re doing something to stop it. Thank heavens for people like you.”
“Thanks.” Kemp grinned. “I’m just trying to make the world a better place, that’s all.”
A couple came up to them, both holding hands. The man patted Kemp on his shoulder twice. The woman, obviously impressed by his financial generosity, went up on her tip toes, and kissed him on the cheek. Smiling, the couple disappeared into the crowd.
“I’m sorry,” Kemp said. He gave her a big smile. “I get that a lot.”
“You’re like a celebrity around here.”
Kemp looked at her. “I run Black Capital Investments, too. It’s a small hedge fund.”
“Wow, you must be really smart.”
“The more money I make, the more I donate to charity. Every year, I donate twenty-five percent of my salary to Happy Hearts Charity.”
“That’s very noble of you.”
“Well, I had a terrible childhood.”
Karen appreciated his candor. Not only did she find him to be attractive, but she also found him to be captivating. “Oh, I’m really sorry to hear that. I’d like to hear more.”
“My father abused me and my mother.” Kemp looked uncomfortable. “The Department of Human Services had to step in.”
“Oh, that’s awful.” Karen shook her head. “That must have been hard to get through.”
Kemp looked into her eyes. “Let me have your number, and we’ll talk about it later.”
Karen felt herself blush. She couldn’t believe someone so handsome, rich, and successful was interested in her. Anxious to get to know him better, she opened he purse and handed him a business card. “Call me anytime.” She realized she sounded really desperate. “I mean, if you want to. That is.”
“You work for Sunny Horizons,” he said, reading her business card. “That’s impressive.”
“Uh-huh.” Karen took a deep breath. “I’ve been there for five years.”
“That’s a wonderful organization.”
Karen was excited the conversation was going so well. “I love working there. We sell products for the visually impaired.”
“One of my close friends is blind. In fact, I just bought him walking stick from there.”
“That’s amazing. It’s a small world, after all.”
Kemp gave her a little grin “Are you married?”
Karen felt found twinge of guilt. Even though she was married, she was enjoying the attention she was getting from such a rich, successful, and powerful man. “Well, right now, I’m separated.”
“I’m having relationship problems, too. You see, I just broke up with my girlfriend.”
“Well, that’s an interesting coincidence.”
Kemp’s face brightened. “We should have a drink together sometime.”
“Perhaps we could have two.”
Kemp bent over, kissed her lightly on the cheek, and walked into the crowd. People flocked to him immediately, all sticking their hands out, eager to meet him. He turned in a small circle, shaking everyone’s hand, and kept a big, bright smile on his face.
Chapter 23
The mansion stood on a large embankment, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by tall palm trees, the three-story home was breathtaking, with gray limestone, sixteen bay windows, and brown shingles on a steeply pitched roof. Malone parked his unmarked police car in the cobblestone driveway, walked onto the front porch, and rang the bell. Stephanie James opened the door, partway, and smiled politely. She was wearing a navy blue dress and white heels of modest height. Her blonde hair was worn down to her shoulders.
“Sergeant Detective Malone,” he said, flashing his gold badge. “Miami PD.”
“I’m a little mixed up right now, Sergeant. I mean, this isn’t a good time for me.”
“Sorry for bothering you.”
“Come back later, when I’m feeling better.”
Malone could hear the pain in her voice. This was one of the worst aspects of the job.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I’m investigating your husband’s suicide.”
“I said I’m not feeling well, Sergeant. What part of that didn’t you understand?”
Malone did his best to sound reassuring. “I’ll make it fast, I promise.”
“I’ll give you two minutes, Sergeant. That’s it.”
James stepped away from the door, into a large living room. The room was paneled with rich walnut, floored with gray marble, and lit by an enormous gold chandelier. Expensive art work hung from the walls—Picasso, Rembrandt, and Monet. Straight ahead of him, there was a spiral staircase, leading to the estate’s second and third floors. Along the back wall, there was a glass table, centered between two chocolate brown couches.
“You have a beautiful home,” Malone said. “I love the way it’s furnished.”
James took a shaky breath. “Thank you, Sergeant.”
“I’m sorry about your husband’s death.”
“I’m numb, Sergeant.” James looked exhausted. “I’m still in shock.”
It was hard for Malone to ask the question. “Were there signs?”
James’ face was expressionless. She seemed a thousand miles away, obviously still coming to terms with her husband’s death. “I…I can’t believe he’s gone.”
“Did he say or do anything out of character?”
“He was stressed out. The stock market, the firm, the clients, things like that.”
Malone mulled this over. Even though she was upset, he still had a few questions for her to answer. “He probably said something to you, though. Please think really hard about this.”
“No, there weren’t any signs he was going to take his life.”
“Are you sure you’re not overlooking something?”
James’ face turned chalk-white. “Stop implying it was my fault, Sergeant.” She cupped her face with her hands and burst into tears. “Oh, please forgive my manners. I’m so sorry for snapping at you. I can’t think straight right now.”
“Take a deep breath,” Malone said, placing a hand on her shoulder. He hated to see her in so much pain, and he hoped she’d be able to put her life back together.
“It doesn’t make sense, Sergeant. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
“Sometimes, life is like that. No explanations.”
“I miss him so much, Sergeant. He was the great love of my life.”
Malone felt his stomach tighten. He knew it took years to get over a tragedy like this. “I hope I’m not over stepping my boundaries. But do you have someone to talk to?”
“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing, Sergeant. Our attorneys, bankers, accountants.”
“I mean, besides them?”
Tears glistened in the corner of her eyes. “My family doctor has recommended a shrink.”
“It may be a good idea.” Malone scratched his chin. “Sometimes, they can help a lot.”
“Tell me what you think, Sergeant.”
Malone felt the color draining from his face. He knew from examining her husband’s 1099-B that he had lost over forty million dollars in the stock market. It wasn’t his place to divulge this information to her. He wasn’t going to add fuel to the fire, increasing her heartache. Her financial situation was confidential, and her family’s bankers, fina
ncial advisors, and attorneys would bring her up to speed.
“Answer my question, Sergeant? Why do you think he killed himself?”
Malone changed the subject. “I know your husband worked for Black Capital Investments. He was the senior portfolio manager, I believe.”
“Yes, he practically lived there. He was always at the office, worked around the clock.”
“I’m not going to pull punches with you. I think his boss is dirty—Roger Kemp.”
James’ bottom lip trembled. “They argued all the time. Always at each other’s throats.”
“Do you know what they fought over?”
“No, I never asked him, Sergeant. It wasn’t any of my business.”
“I think Mr. Kemp is committing investment fraud.”
“Do you have any evidence?”
Malone knew he was treading on thin ice. He didn’t want to put her on the defense. “No, it’s just an educated guess. But I think he’s mixed up in some really bad stuff.”
“Which means you can’t back up these claims.”
“That’s right. But I’m not the type of person who gives up easily.”
James’ eyes flared. “It doesn’t mean my husband was his partner in crime.”
Malone raises his hands in surrender. He didn’t want to say anything to get her more upset. “Hey, take it easy.” Malone kept his voice calm and steady. “I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to, Sergeant.” James’ cheeks reddened. “It’s written all over your face.”
“This isn’t about your husband. It’s about his business partner, Roger Kemp.”
“How do I know I can trust you, Sergeant?”
A light bulb went off in Malone’s head. He knew she had important information that would help him solve the case. “I won’t drag your husband’s name through the mud, no matter what I find out about him. I promise.”
“Do I have your word on that, Sergeant?”
Malone nodded. “You don’t even have to give it a second thought.”
“In that case, I need to give you something. Come with me, Sergeant.”
Malone followed James down a long corridor, into an enormous family room. Glassed in on three sides, it overlooked the Atlantic Ocean, where multimillion dollar homes had been built. There was a vast Persian rug, white furniture, and cream colored wood shutters. A varnished oak bookcase stood against the long wall, filled with books. Malone couldn’t stop wondering what she was going to give him.
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