“Look Triplett, I’m going to tell you what happened. If you’ve been watching the news, you know I’m up to my asshole in
this political campaign between Reid and Traynor. I don’t give a shit one way or the other about either one, but I’m doing this for Sarah. I’m trying to find out who killed her.”
“Yeah. Well, what do you think we’re doing?”
“I know, but a little help wouldn’t hurt, would it?” Matt asked with cynicism marking each word.
“Okay. Quit dicking around and give me your side of it.”
“The guy and a goon friend working for Reid’s campaign
director had staked out my house to learn who came and went. Who might be leaking info to the press.”
“I’ve heard your name on TV. You’ve been accusing the good congressman of fooling around,” Triplett said.
“I have proof. Anyway, as I ran past the guy, he took a swing at me. I ducked and threw a handful of sand in his face. While he was pawing at his eyes, I knocked him down and bent his arm behind him. He decided to tell me who he was working for and about his buddy out front taking pictures. Also, they had bugged my house. I have ‘em if you want them.”
“Kind of what I figured, what with all the bullshit on
television. I’ll come by for the bugs. I’m going to sit on the guy’s claim. I figure it’ll go away when the election is over. I don’t like you, Dawson, but I hate politicians even more. I’ll be by in thirty minutes, on my way home.”
He rang the doorbell about twenty minutes later. Matt handed him the bag and offered to show him the holes in the side of his house. Triplett declined the offer.
“You may be an asshole, Dawson, but I don’t see you going out and buying bugs. I’m going to confront the guy with a little bluff. I’ll see if I can send him home with his tail tucked between his legs. He’s big son of a bitch alright. I’m impressed that you could bring him down.”
“Hidden talent, Triplett. Desperation breeds resolve. I wanted to stay alive.”
“By the way, for what it’s worth, most of my guys figure the attack on you the other night was professional, probably out of state. Same goes for the guys who shot Carter Nelson. Revenge attacks are usually one on one, somebody you’ve pissed off or screwed in a business deal. They sneak up on you with a shotgun. The ambush from a car window looks more like a contract hit.”
“Now that you mention it, I think you might be right.”
“It’s my job. That doesn’t mean you’re off my list. This
Dwight guy though is bullshit,” Triplett said.
“There may be hope for you yet ... as a regular human."
The plain clothed policeman gave Matt the middle finger and walked away.
“Class, Triplett. Real class.”
Triplett turned and gave him middle fingers on both hands.
The time was nearing eight.
Carter’s most likely asleep, but in case he isn’t, I’m going to call and tell him the latest.
Margie answered in a whisper. “Matt,” she said. “Carter just dozed off in front of the TV. I’m just letting him sleep. Tell me what you want him to know and I’ll tell him as soon as he wakes up.”
Matt gave her the gist of his conversation with Triplett about Dwight Middleton. “Triplett thinks the guys who shot at us were professionals. I’m going to ask Allister to see if Merlin has a presence in Vegas.”
She said she would tell him. “He’s almost well, but the pain pills make him feel tired. I’ll tell you what he said the other night.”
“What?”
“He said, ‘Working with Matt, is like sliding down the sharp side of a razor blade. It’s getting to where I enjoy the adrenaline rush so I must be going nuts.’” She laughed softly. “He’s a good friend, Matt.”
“I know.”
Allister didn’t answer his call so he left a message asking if he’d check Merlin’s Vegas contacts.
*****
When Matt woke, his subconscious had come up with a suggestion. Bluff Jennifer by claiming Carter had a witness who says Stone was not at home the night of the killing. Ergo, he was at your home, helping you kill Aaron. I doubt it’ll scare Jennifer. But, what do I have to lose?
After feeding Cat and drinking a cup of coffee with a leftover roll, he dialed Jennifer’s office number. The receptionist answered.
“Dr. Stone’s office.”
Son of a bitch. She’s changed her name. Well, what the hell do I care? She married the bastard. I guess her punishment is to have to use his damned name.
Matt asked to speak to Jennifer. The receptionist put him on hold for a few seconds then came back, “Dr. Stone’s tied up at the moment. Can she call you back?”
“Tell her I’d love to share a hot sake with her at the noodle place. I was anxious to share some interesting information with her. Our old friend, Carter, has been busy.”
She’d give the doctor the message.
Matt’s phone rang. He assumed it was Jennifer. It was Carter instead. He didn’t wait for introductions. “Vegas. You think the shooters were from Vegas?”
He did and told him that he’d asked Allister to check on Merlin’s Vegas contacts.
“Be damned, Matt. Hell, Stone might also have some Vegas contacts. He’s a lawyer. Why don’t I talk to Stone’s ex-file clerk over lunch. We can cover both ends of the snake. Merlin and Stone.”
Matt laughed. “You cover the biting end.”
*****
Denise called. She was still excited about her on-camera time. “I love my job, Matt,” she said. “It felt like I was part of the action. And, I loved telling what was going on behind the scenes of an election. I can see why Sarah was excited. The temp head likes me, I think.”
“No more second fiddle, huh?”
She laughed. “It was true but, you’re right. No more second fiddle. Sarah’s Pulitzer always took her to the head of the assignments line.”
“It’s good for your talents to stand in the light.”
“Thanks, Matt. You always say the nicest things. Nico does that too.”
Yeah and no doubt interested in her for other reasons.
He told her about being bugged by Warner and the fact that her name had been mentioned. She said that she’d practically resigned anyway. Nico had also called to congratulate her for her new position with ANN.
“You know what he said?” she asked Mat. “Tell me.”
“He said when he looks into my eyes, he can see my soul. He says it’s so beautiful he wants to touch it.”
“Damn. Sounds like he wants to be a poet.”
She also told him that Allister had taken her to the Hard Rock Café which she enjoyed immensely.
“He’s going to call you about the job you wanted him to do.”
Looks like the end of my relationship with her. Allister or Nico. My money’s on Allister. Saves us both some grief, I imagine. But, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the hell out of it.
*****
Allister called after lunch. “Mr. Dawson, Sam Spade has a report for you. It was less of a problem than they imagined. They did the hack through a small pharmacy out of town.”
“Great. How can I get it?”
It’d be at Starbucks the next morning. Matt was to park half a block away and wait until ten before going into the bathroom. The envelope would be on top of the commode under some napkins.
“Sam says he enjoyed doing business with you. I think he expected negotiations over the fee.”
“I didn’t want to risk an aggravation. How about Merlin’s Vegas connections? Anything there?” Matt asked.
“They don’t have an office in Vegas, just sales reps.”
Matt thanked him. The Merlin report was disappointing. That didn’t necessarily mean that Warner didn’t pick up contacts from the reps. It was unlikely however. Warner wasn’t in marketing.
Matt looked at his phone. It was after one. Carter would have had time to have lunch with Stone’s ex-file cle
rk. He punched the quick dial button. Carter answered.
“No, I did not go to lunch with the clerk, Matt,” he said then laughed. “But, I did call and asked if Stone had any Vegas clients. He did not, but, you’re gonna like this, Dr. Schofield did.”Matt did like it. He thanked Carter who was about to take a nap. He told Carter he was getting a report from Sam Spade, Allister’s referral the next morning.
“Good. Call me when you get it,” Carter mumbled, half
asleep.
*****
Jennifer called back after five. “You called me,” she said, her tone was icy.
“I did. How about noodles and sake?”
“I’m busy. Why did you call?”
“Carter has come up with some interesting information I wanted to share with you. Not on the phone. Who knows who listens in?”
“That kind of information, huh? Am I to assume it has something to do with me?”
“That’s right.”
Silence. Then, “It’s probably more of your bullshit, Matt, but okay. I’ll meet you at the noodle place in an hour. Franklin has something he can do at his office. This better be worth it. I’m not going to stand still for any game playing. Grow up!”
He hung up without replying.
*****
He was standing near the door to the restaurant when she strode up briskly.
“I hope you aren’t pulling some kind of stunt,” she said, her face a mask of irritation. “I have charts I need to get to.”
“No stunt, Jennifer.” He held the door open for her.After they ordered, the waitress brought a carafe of hot sake which they sipped while they waited for their bowl of noodles.
“Okay, I’m here. What did that dinosaur Carter come up with that I don’t already know?”
“He thinks you do know. I’ll tell you.”
He told her the story, embellishing a bit on the truth.
“Triplett, the detective on the Bush case has evidence that links the attacks on me and Carter to Vegas.”
“So what?” she said.
“Their investigation discovered that you have Vegas patients.
It doesn’t take much brain power to assume that somehow your husband made contact and … well ... goodbye Matt and Carter.”
He gestured with his palms.
She leaned over the table, red-faced and said, loudly, “That’s the stupidest damn thing I’ve ever heard of in my life. I’m surprised that even you’d dare say it! Is that it? Is that the fucking important information you have?” She stood to leave.
Matt smiled at her. “I thought so too, Jennifer, until Carter found out that Franklin wasn’t at home the night you shot your husband. I’d say that was important, wouldn’t you? Old Carter, my dinosaur, can sniff out some mean shit when he goes on the trail.
Franklin’s whereabouts on the night Aaron was killed might be considered significant to the DA”
Jennifer eased back down into her chair. “I’ve never thought not being at home was a crime.” she said. Anger clear on her face.
“No, but suppose this. Suppose Franklin called Aaron and baited him into storming over to find a man in ‘his house.’ And, suppose you and Franklin were waiting for him downstairs.”
“You can suppose till hell freezes over, Matt. Where’s that going to get you?”
Matt waved his hand and said. “Wait for it. So, Aaron shows up — lights out as the neighbors testified — approaches the stairway where you were hiding. You shoot but hit him in the shoulder. Aaron falls down and begins to crawl away. Lights go on. Franklin jerks the gun from your hand — you had a bruise, remember — and shoots Aaron in the back of the head. You know the rest of the story. Makes good reading, I think.”
Jennifer was shaking her head in apparent disbelief. “What does your guy smoke? That is the wildest story I’ve ever heard. The jury believed my testimony and said I was not guilty. What’s your point?”
“Ah, yes. The point. I guess this is the point. You were acquitted but Franklin wasn’t.” He reached out with his hands and smiled. “And, there’s no statute of limitation on murder. He could be tried. I have a duty to tell the cops. I hate to see him arrested before I get paid. I know both of you want what’s best for me.” He smiled mischievously.
She saw the look on his face, leaned over the table and spit out an angry whisper. “You can kiss my ass, Matt. You’re an asshole.”
“I guess you’ve got to know me, Jennifer.”
The waitress brought their noodles. She had approached before but that was when Jennifer was having her outburst.
“Franklin’ll be happy to sue you and your bloodhound for slander or whatever it is. You can’t have any proof because everything you’ve said is a complete lie!”
She stood and stomped out of the restaurant. Matt stared after her. He finished his noodles and the rest of the sake.
Chapter 32
Matt checked the street and the bushes around his house carefully before he got out of his car and went inside. He called Carter who answered on the first ring.
“I’m up, Matt,” he said.
“Good. I just had … well, I sat at a table with Jennifer and
told her the story about how Franklin shot Aaron.” He gave Carter the details.
“What’d she do, confess?”
“She almost took my head off but calmed down and threatened a suit for slander. I expect Franklin will be calling. I told her we had proof that Franklin wasn’t at home that night … when she shot Aaron.”
“I wish we did. I haven’t been able to find anybody who says that,” Carter said.
“Right now we’re, well, I’m bluffing.”
“High stakes game and we’re holding a pair of deuces.”
“I love the way you get right to the point, Carter.”
“I assume you laid all that on me for a reason. Do you recall that somebody shot me after I’d been digging into Stone’s connections with Aaron’s murder? What makes you think telling
Jennifer that we suspect Stone is going to change that?”
“Hell, you have two shoulders, Carter.”
“Yeah and I can learn to shoot left-handed. Shit. I’ll see you in the morning if I survive the night. If not, don’t let it worry you
that you might have hurried me along.” Carter hung up.
Matt laughed, but he knew Carter was right. He’d just put both of them at risk. But, that’s what he had intended. When you have no proof and you want to get results, you have to improvise.
He slept the night with one hand on the pistol Carter had given him. And, he woke the next morning to the sounds of birds chirping and singing their heads off like they’d had a great night’s sleep. Then, he felt Cat pawing at his hand and meowing for his morning food. Not a care in the world so long as there’s big person around to feed you.
“Okay,” he said and got up to feed the beast, his sleepless- night name for the cat. Dogs barked from the beach and cars hurried along the street out front, heading to some destination, important to the drivers.
Carter rolled up a few minutes later, bleary-eyed and somewhat wobbly on his feet. “Had a bitch of a night. Kept one hand on my pistol and one eye open. Shoulder didn’t cooperate a bit. So, here I am. I’m hungry. Got anything to eat?”
Matt pointed to the plate filled with slices of an almond ring next to the coffee machine. He’d bought the almond ring as a replacement for Sarah’s cheese Danish. Carter got a slice, scooped on some yogurt and sat down to enjoy the pastry with a cup of coffee.
“I was bitchy last night, Matt, but I figured you’d do just about what you did. What choice did you have? So, tell me about it.”
“Well, she didn’t eat her noodles. That has to mean she was upset. I don’t know if it was because of the trouble she thought I could cause or because I had touched on the truth. I told her our Vegas hitman story. That sent her into orbit.”
“Has Franklin called?”
“He hasn’t called. He probably will. I would
. I’d call, protesting my innocence and lodge a threat.”
“What are you going to say?”
“I’ll stick to what I told Jennifer last night with full embellishments of the facts.”
“Our speculation?”
“Yeah,” Matt said.
“What do you expect him to do? I know you always try to guess your opponent’s next move and get prepared for it.”
“After his bluster and the fact that I don’t blink, he’ll calm down and probe a bit. Am I looking for anything? Whether he’s
innocent or guilty, he sure as hell won’t want the police to start digging into his involvement in Schofield’s killing.”
“We’re thinking he’s guilty but we don’t know shit, Matt.
We’re mostly just guessing.”
“I’ll stipulate to that, Carter.”
“What if he laughs and tells you to take your best shot?”
“Then, I’ll get worried. He’d be bluffing, I think,” Matt said with an uncertain look on his face.
“I’d rather he’d rant and rave and put money on the table.”
“He may do that,” Matt said.
Carter reached over the table and asked, “If he does, let’s take the effin’ money and run? What do you care? That case is
history. It’s not your problem anymore. You’ve suffered enough. So have I. Take the effin money!”
Matt laughed. “It’d be tempting, old buddy. Very tempting.
But, I promised Sarah’s mother I’d try to find her killer. What if Sarah’s investigation, now picked up by us, triggered her murder? We don’t know for sure it’s Reid’s bunch.” Besides, its personal. Money takes a back seat.
“We don’t know it isn’t either.”
Matt stuck out his arms, palms up to indicate his agreement with Carter’s assessment.
Carter shrugged. “We need to get this fuckin’ thing resolved, Matt. I don’t want to live my life looking over my shoulder and sleeping with one eye open. Look!” He pulled at his eyelids to show his bloodshot eyes.
“I saw them,” Matt said. “I don’t want to, either. I prefer looking at road maps, not looking through them. We’ll just-”
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