Murder by Design

by J. P. Bowie

  “Nowhere near Joey fucking Carter!”

  “I have an eyewitness who saw you talking with Joey before the two of you walked off toward Santa Monica Boulevard. Some hours later, Joey was found strangled by someone so strong, his larynx was crushed. You fit the bill nicely enough, Dwight. Under Joey’s fingernails were found threads and fibers of a rougher than usual material. Tweed fits that description nicely as well.”

  “The jacket’s not mine. It belonged to Darius,” Dwight snarled.

  “Bring the jacket in,” Hoskins told the police officer. “We’ll have you try it on for size.” He glanced at Hardy. “No objections, I trust?”

  “None.” Hardy looked like he was wishing this would be over soon.

  The officer returned with the jacket and handed it to Rothman. “Put it on,” Hoskins said.

  Sam watched with wry amusement as Rothman pretended to have a problem struggling into the jacket. “If anything, it should be too big for you if it’s your bro’s,” he remarked. “Don’t try an O.J. on us, Dwight—just put the jacket on.”

  Rothman scowled but finally finished putting it on. It was a perfect fit. “So, what does this prove? Only that the jacket’s mine. It doesn’t mean I killed the kid.”

  “If the fibers under Joey’s fingernails are a match for your jacket, it sure as hell puts you at the scene, Dwight.” Sam reached into his pocket. “But I have one more tiny piece to show you.” He put Joey’s earring on the table.

  “What the fuck is that?”

  “It’s an earring, Dwight,” Sam said, quietly. “Joey’s earring. I found it on your bedroom floor. If you look carefully, there’s a thread caught between the stone and the setting. I think it might match what the coroner found under Joey’s fingernails. It must have caught on your jacket sleeve or maybe the lapel when you were manhandling Joey. What, you didn’t want to pay for his services, you thought you’d get some for free? The coroner said Joey must’ve put up quite a fight against his assailant. I know I hit you, but what about the bruises on your right cheek? How’d you get those, Dwight? Did Joey manage to get in a couple of punches when you had him by the throat?”

  Rothman swung around to face his attorney, who slid back on his seat, almost falling off the chair. “You gotta get me a deal. I have a grandmother I need to look after. She—”

  Sam’s loud laughter had Rothman half-rising out of his seat until the officer clamped his hands on the criminal’s shoulders and sat him back down again.

  “Of all the things you could’ve said, Dwight, that really is the dumbest. It’s my bet that Mrs. Bassinger will not miss you for a second. No deal to help out your very nice grandmother.”

  “Right.” Hoskins stood, indicating the interview was over. “You’ll have a hearing tomorrow and we’ll be asking that you be held without bail until trial.”

  “Wait, what about a deal?” Rothman was shaking and for a moment Sam thought he might just burst into tears.

  “No deal, unless your attorney can work one out for you,” Hoskins said. “However, I doubt that. Take the jacket off—we need to give it to forensics—then go with Officer Briggs. You’ll be our guest for a while, Mr. Rothman.”

  Hardy, looking grim, nodded at them then followed Rothman out of the door.

  “Must be his first case,” Sam remarked.

  “And how’d you like that shit about Rothman having to care for his grandmother?” Hoskins laughed nastily. “Like you said, the lady is better off without them.”

  Sam nodded but he couldn’t ignore the irony behind the tragedy of Joey’s murder. He’d just chosen the wrong guy to spend time with.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Visiting hours in the ICU are over at nine p.m., Detective Walker,” the nurse in charge told him after she’d checked his badge.

  “Is Mrs. McCready still here?”

  “Yes, she’ll be staying overnight.”

  “Could you ask if she’d come out and speak to me for a few minutes? I’d use my cell, but I don’t want to make any unnecessary noise.”

  “Good of you. I’ll go see if she’s awake.”

  A few minutes later, Liz came through the doors and he got up to hug her. Then they sat together. “How is he?” Sam asked.

  “Pretty much the same.” She sighed. “Stable, thank God. Martha brought the kids over early this evening and she’s keeping them till I can get home.”

  “Were they upset?”

  “Sara cried, but Abe said Daddy looked like a spaceman with the mask on.”

  “Maybe I can go see them tomorrow. Do you need anything? Fresh clothes…stuff?”

  Liz chuckled. “Martha’s taking care of me and the kids. Don’t you worry—you have enough going on without worrying ’bout me and the kids. Martin’s gonna be fine, so you look after yourself, you hear?”

  Sam nodded. “If Martin wakes up before I see him, tell him Dwight Rothman has been charged with Joey’s murder. Might make him feel better.”

  * * * *

  The following morning, he went in early to enter his report on his computer and send a copy to Hoskins. Mackie, Sanders’ partner, entered and walked to his desk. The man hesitated for a couple of seconds then came over to Sam’s desk.

  “Sorry to hear about McCready,” Mackie said, fidgeting slightly. “How’s he doing?”

  “He’ll live. It’s gonna take some time before he’s back on duty, but at least he survived.”

  Mackie nodded. “You hear about Sanders?”

  “Nope.”

  “He’s on desk duty up in admin till they set a date for an inquiry.”

  “I’m glad you weren’t mixed up in that shit with him. Didn’t sound like you.”

  “Thanks. Yeah, that night you and McCready confronted us, he’d asked me to drive him over to the park. Kirby’s mother was kinda frantic about the late hour.”

  “I wonder how frantic she’s gonna be when she finds out her brother encouraged her son to go out gay-bashing?”

  Mackie shook his head. “Just between you and me, I was never comfortable having Sanders as a partner. I envied you and McCready, Jones and Harrison and some of the other guys. You all seem to get along good, you know? Sanders is too much the right-winger. Some of the things he says about minorities…”

  “I can imagine—and let’s face it, he’s not alone.”

  “Still, I really didn’t want to hear it on a daily basis. Anyway, tell McCready I said hi when you go see him next.”

  “Will do.”

  He called Liz after Mackie went back to his desk. She sounded tired. “How’s he doing?”

  “He had a bad night,” she told him, “but they’ve got him on some heavy drugs, so he’s asleep right now.”

  “You wanna go home, get some rest? I can come by and sit with him. Looks like my day is pretty clear so far.”

  “You’re so sweet, Sam, thanks, but I’m staying. You can come visit, of course.”

  “I’ll come by after lunch. Maybe you could take a nap then or something.”

  After they hung up, Sam looked in on Hoskins to get the latest on Dwight Rothman and was gratified to know that the judge had set bail at a million dollars. No way would Rothman be good for that amount. He was going to stay in jail until his trial.

  “At least Joey Carter’s friends out there will know we didn’t just sit on our thumbs and do nothing about his murder,” Hoskins said. “They might feel easier about talking to us in the future.”

  “Maybe. But none of us are helped by the likes of Sanders encouraging his nephew to go beat them up just for kicks.”

  “You’re right. Frankly, I don’t know how he’ll manage to talk himself out of the mess he created.” He sighed. “On a brighter note, I talked with Liz McCready this morning and things are looking good. I’ll get over to the hospital later today. You?”

  “Yeah, Liz and I talked. I thought I’d relieve her this afternoon so she can catch a nap.”

  Hoskins gazed at him for a couple of moments. “You’re a good
guy, Sam. I know I probably don’t say this enough, but I’m glad you and McCready are part of my team.”

  “Thanks, Captain, that means a lot.”

  Sam called Justin to see if he was available for lunch. This would be a first. The only time they’d been together was at night and for some hot sex. He wondered how Justin would react to seeing him in the cold light of day.

  Jeez, low self-esteem, Sam? Maybe that therapist was right.

  Before he chickened out and changed his mind, he punched in Justin’s cell number. “Hey, Justin, wondered if you were available for lunch today?”

  “You know just how to brighten my day.”

  It warmed Sam’s heart to hear how eager Justin sounded. But he did catch the underlying tension in his voice.

  “Things still rough?”

  “You have no idea—but who cares? I’m going to have lunch with my favorite detective!”

  Sam laughed. “Okay. Twelve sound good?”

  “Excellent. How about Marino’s? It’s close enough for us both to walk there.”

  “Good choice. See you there.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  Sam was smiling when he hung up. The guy made him feel warm all over from just the sound of his voice and the memory of his hot kisses. Happy days are definitely here at last.

  * * * *

  Marino’s Downtown was a popular restaurant with a line outside already when Sam got there. He was really glad to see Justin waving at him from a table for two in the back.

  “Wow, you must’ve gotten here early,” he said, squeezing Justin’s hand as he sat opposite him.

  “I know the lady upfront. I designed a couple of dresses for her daughter and she was very complimentary. She saw me get in line and told me to follow her, so I did.” He smiled at Sam. “You look great.”

  “You too. I like the colors on the shirt you have on.”

  “Thanks. One of my designs. I’m glad you like it.”

  “I also want to kiss you, but probably not a good idea right now.”

  Justin chuckled. “We could pretend to be French. I love the way they say hello with kisses.”

  “Mmm.” Sam gazed at Justin. He could lose himself in those green eyes. “You know…” He pulled himself together. “This is a first for us, meeting in the daytime, having lunch. I can’t remember the last time I did anything so civilized.”

  “You and your partner don’t have lunch?”

  “Yeah. Martin’s wife makes him a sandwich. Me, I usually grab a Wendy’s or a Big Mac.”

  “That’s so bad for you. How d’you manage to keep in such good shape?”

  “We have a gym at the precinct. I usually hit that before going on shift.” He looked up as a server asked them what they’d like to drink.

  “Just water for me, thanks,” Sam said while Justin ordered an iced tea. “So, things still not good for you at work?”

  Justin shook his head. “She’s impossible. After re-hiring me, she’s doing everything she can to get me to quit. If it wasn’t for Paula, her secretary, I would, but I am looking around for something else. Trouble is, this is such a competitive business and they look for people with a lot of experience. I only have two years behind me…”

  “But you’re good, right?” Sam sat back when the server delivered their drinks.

  “Ready to order?”

  “Oh.” Sam picked up his menu and scanned what looked like a hundred different dishes. “Ah…”

  “I’ll have the veal picatta,” Justin said. “No pasta.”

  “I’ll have the same.” Sam closed the menu. “With pasta. You don’t like pasta?” he asked after the server left.

  “I love it, but I try not to have too much.” He winked at Sam. “Gotta keep this sylph-like figure now I have a boyfriend.”

  Sam’s face grew warm. Boyfriend? His hesitancy hadn’t been missed by Justin.

  “Sorry, too soon?”

  “No…no, you just took me by surprise is all.”

  Justin sipped his iced tea. “I can be too impulsive at times. Sorry again if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

  “You didn’t, and I’m…I’m being an ass. I am very flattered you think of me that way, and yes, I like it…us being boyfriends, I mean.”

  Justin’s smile made Sam want to leap over the table and hold him and kiss him and…yes, he was hard. “Jeez, what you do to me,” he muttered. “Things no one else has ever been able to do.”

  “And that makes me the happiest guy on earth.” He covered Sam’s hand with his and squeezed. “You going to come to my place tonight?”

  “Wild horses wouldn’t stop me. But I think I’d better rein myself in right now before I cause a scene. Your nice lady friend might bar us from coming back.” He cleared his throat as the server arrived with their meals.

  “Mmm, looks good. So, getting back to work,” Sam said after taking a bite of the veal. “You told me you’re good at what you do.”

  “I said that, didn’t I?” Justin laughed his husky laugh that made Sam’s toes curl. “Well, maybe this setback with the boss might curb my arrogance. Make me glad I have a job.”

  “It’s only arrogance if you can’t deliver the goods. I have a feeling that’s not you.”

  They took time out of the conversation to enjoy the veal. Sam murmured with appreciation as he tasted the Alfredo sauce over the pasta. “Mmm, very good.”

  Justin nodded. “The veal’s tender…” He gazed at Sam then said, “You’ve had a rough few days, haven’t you?” He squeezed Sam’s hand again. “How is your partner?”

  “He’s gonna pull through, thank God. I’m going over there after I leave you. His wife needs a break. She’ll deny it, of course, but I’m gonna insist she takes a nap or puts her feet up at least.”

  “You’re close with them, aren’t you?” He was staring intently at Sam’s mouth.

  “Something wrong?” Sam asked.

  “You have some Alfredo sauce on your lip.” He grinned wickedly when Sam hastily swiped at his mouth with his napkin. “If we were on our own, I’d have reached over and licked if off.”

  “God, Justin…”

  Justin laughed. “Sorry, you were saying about Martin…”

  Sam cleared his throat. His face was warm. “Yeah. They welcomed me into their family five years ago when Martin and I became partners. Liz is a wonderful lady and they have two really cute kids. Martin yells at me, saying I spoil them, but…”

  “Go on,” Justin urged.

  “Well, I hate to sound whiny, but…okay, I told you my folks disowned me when I came out. I heard through the grapevine that my sister had got married, had two kids, a boy and a girl, just like Martin and Liz’s, only I’m not allowed to see them. Years ago, I sent some gifts at Christmas and they were sent back without even a note.” Sam shrugged. “So, I took the hint and I’ve never bothered again. Kinda still hurts though, now and then. That’s why I spoil Abe and Sara, I guess.”

  “That’s awful.” Justin’s lips tightened with anger. “Well, they’re the losers, far as I’m concerned. I bet the kids would love to have a wonderful uncle like you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Welcome. What about the case you were working on? Is it over? Did you find out who killed the young boy?”

  Sam nodded and finished the last of his meal. “Yes, we got the killer, but I still feel bad about the kid…for all of them really, living on the edge.”

  “Sam.” Justin took his hand. “The way you care about others makes you the sweetest guy in all the world in my eyes.”

  “Well then…” Sam forced a smile to his lips. “I’ve done something right.”

  Justin returned his smile and glanced at his watch. “Time to go, I think. That was really good.” He signaled for the server. “We’ll take the check, please.”

  “I got this,” Sam said. “No argument,” he added when Justin opened his mouth to protest. “I invited you. Therefore it’s my treat.”

  “Well, thank you, kind sir.
” Justin smiled. “I might be coerced into showering you with favors later as a means of thanking you properly.”

  “I’ll look forward to it.” Sam grinned. “I have to admit I like being your boyfriend.”

  “Me too.” Justin winked at him as the server dropped the tab on their table. He stood suddenly. “I have to go to the men’s room.” He stared at Sam. “How about you?”

  “Uh, oh yeah, I better do that before we leave. Let me take care of this and I’ll see you there.”

  After paying, he wound his way through the cluster of tables. Justin was standing right inside the door, which he closed and locked after Sam came in. He plastered himself over Sam, throwing his arms around his neck and dragging him down for a kiss that had Sam’s eyes rolling back in his head. He had an instant hard-on and got harder with every thrust of Justin’s groin against his. Justin coasted a hand down Sam’s back to cup an ass cheek and pull him in even tighter, rubbing his crotch over Sam’s.

  Oh my God, I’m gonna come in my pants… He gasped into Justin’s mouth as his balls tightened in his briefs, but he didn’t want their kiss to end. It was too glorious, this meeting of lips and tongues and teeth, and maybe they’d both have the blue balls from hell, but there was the promise of tonight… A loud knocking on the door had them stepping back from each other hurriedly with rueful looks.

  Sam opened the door to a questioning male face. “Sorry, pee-shy,” he muttered and shoved past the man. Justin didn’t follow—instead it was a good three or four minutes before he appeared.

  “Sorry, but I really did need to pee,” he said as they exited the restaurant. “And it took longer because of you-know-what.” Justin’s eyes twinkled with mischief.

  Sam laughed. “You are adorable.” He gave him a quick hug. “What time tonight?”

  “Seven okay?”

  “Perfect. What can I bring—pizza maybe?”

  “No, you got lunch. I get to feed you tonight.” He squeezed Sam’s arm and, God, but it was all Sam could do not to take him right there on the street.

  * * * *

  Liz appears happy even though she has to be exhausted, was Sam’s first thought on entering the ICU room.