Bad Company

by Jen Schoenbein

  I noticed Suzy had sent me a text while I was driving. All it said was “Good Luck!” I had to smile at the sentiment.

  I thanked Jim and turned on my wire, checking to ensure it was recording on my phone app. All set to go, I headed in.

  Walking into the restaurant, the same one we met at our first lunch, I scanned the room for McSleazy. This time, he had beat me here and waved at me from a table. I indicated to the host that I was here to meet the Sleaze and made my way to the table.

  “Dear! It’s so great to see you again,” I crooned, leaning in to air kiss McSleazoid.

  “The pleasure’s all mine, I assure you,” Dr. Millwood preened. “But you’re spoiling me, allowing me your company twice in one week!”

  I played at batting at him with my napkin as I sat down. “You’re such a flatterer.”

  I laid the napkin on my lap and regarded the menu, making sure I was turned to him ensuring clean audio.

  “I hope you don’t mind taking the time away from your important work,” I said. “It’s just that I really wanted to get your opinion on Black Magic Fever. I really just wanted to talk over the details of your business once more.”

  “Of course not, my dear!” he leaned forward and gave me a slimy smile.

  Gross.

  “Did you talk to the owner, yet?”

  “Yes, I spoke with them today,” I nodded. “And I think we can definitely come to an agreement on price, but I just value your opinion so much.”

  Dr. Millwood gave me a look like the cat that ate the canary. He smoothed a hand over his wispy hair and settled back in his seat.

  “I do have intimate knowledge with the horses at Arlington Track,” he explained. “Black Magic Fever is no exception. I can guarantee that his performance will increase under my personal care.”

  “And it will be you taking care of him, correct?” I asked, prodding him to talk about the arrangement with Ty.

  “Oh, yes, of course,” he patted my hand on the table. “Don’t you worry yourself.”

  Dammit, I thought.

  “But you mentioned an assistant” I said, in concern. “I was worried he would end up being the one treating my new baby. Something could go wrong if he’s in training!”

  “Oh, please don’t worry your little head about that!” the doctor frowned. “It’s all under control. I guarantee it will be me, not my assistant. Although Ty is in training and I am molding him to be an excellent physician. I am with him every step of the way.”

  “You may see his name on emails or records now and then, but you have my assurance that I’m overseeing everything. There’s not a drop of medicine, er supplements,” he corrected,” that will be given without my express permission. You have to trust me on this.”

  Satisfied that he had given me enough to clear Ty’s name when this all went down, I sat back in my chair and nodded sagely at him.

  “I’m so glad I ran across you that day at the track,” I mused. “Whatever would I have done?”

  “I am the lucky one,” McSleazy said, patting my hand on the table.

  I smiled and moved to take a sip of the water on the table. I suddenly wanted to wash my hands again.

  The waiter finally arrived to take our order, minding our privacy for the lively discussion we were having. We ordered salads and I listened to him expound on his prowess with the horses while we waited for our food.

  After we got our food, I let him continue, asking questions a bit now and then. It couldn’t hurt to get what I could for the case. Eventually, I tried to find a good way to drop Dessi’s name.

  Toying with my salad I said, “I forgot to tell you the other piece of news I had!”

  He looked up expectantly.

  “While I was out yesterday, I noticed a local paper with an article on horse races,” I leaned over excitedly. “You’d never guess who was on the front cover!”

  McSleazy leaned back in his seat, chuckling patiently, like to a 5-year-old child.

  “I can guess, but you tell me.”

  Patronizing asshat.

  “It was Black Magic Fever!” I finished with a flourish, struggling to maintain my phony playful exterior.

  “I did tell you he’d been winning races. My dear,” he cajoled. “You’ll find that even more commonplace once you’re the new owner. And particularly once I’m managing him.”

  I eyed him discreetly. He was so full of himself. I couldn’t wait to give this guy his due.

  “But do you know who was in the picture next to him?” I asked, eyes wide incredulously. “Dessi Fabian! He’s quite well known in the betting world.” And beyond, I thought, but didn’t add.

  McSleazy stopped in the middle of his self-congratulations to look at me closely, then used his napkin to dab at his mouth.

  “Yes, well he is known for betting on the stronger horses,” he offered, less enthusiastically. “I would assume anyone who spent as much time at the track as he does to have some knowledge of which horses were in better shape.”

  He discredited him so completely I was trying to decide if he disliked him or if he was just trying to divert the conversation.

  “Do you know him?” I asked, still pouring on the excited school girl act.

  “Well,” he hedged, clearly trying to decide how to reply. “You can’t be around the racecourse without encountering Dessi at one point or another.”

  “He’s somewhat of a celebrity,” I added, pressing on his vanity.

  “True,” he chuckled, pausing again. “We are a bit familiar, you know. Mostly sharing stories about the horses.” He brushed lint off his sports jacket lapel. “He has valued my opinion from time to time, to be honest.”

  “But I assure you,” He continued reassuringly. “I am very discreet about my client and business confidentiality.”

  I nodded sagely, “I would never think otherwise, Doctor.”

  Taking another sip of my water, I watched him finish his salad. He didn’t offer up any other information on Dessi, and I was hesitant to push it too far.

  “I’m not surprised, though, that he values your opinion. Well, I’d bet you know just about all there is about horses.”

  “Oh, you flatter me, my dear,” he smiled, but didn’t argue.

  “It’s just amazing that Mr. Fabian doesn’t have horses of his own and that you aren’t working with him as well.”

  “Oh,” he eyed me directly. “You know I wouldn’t be able to tell you. Even if I was.”

  “Ooh,” I pretended to be impressed. I knew that publicly Dessi didn’t own any horses at all. Likely a conflict of interest, since he runs the off-track betting shops.

  I toyed with my lunch a bit more. “Well, just so you know. I would be happy to do business with him, as well. If the opportunity ever came up.”

  I glanced up to find Dr. McSleazy eyeing me too carefully.

  “I’m not quite sure what you’re implying,” he said, head cocked, and eyes narrowed. “I didn’t say I was doing any business with Mr. Fabian. I simply said we spoke from time to time.”

  Crap. I probably pushed a little too far, but my cover was only useful if I was getting info.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean to imply anything,” I hastily covered up. “I was just keeping an eye out on opportunities.”

  “It would be very unethical for me to be giving out leads,” he steepled his hands in front of him. “Unless you were suggesting that games are somehow fixed. And I very much doubt that someone like Dessi would be resorting to that sort of information.”

  I’ll bet, I thought, but replied. “Oh, I certainly would never think you’d do anything like that! You’re too honest.” I widened my eyes in my best Bambi impression. Holy cow, this was getting deep fast.

  McSleazy was still watching me a little more intently than I liked.

  “I never got your last name,” he said, finally. “You know, when I was talking to the Bairds I just had to give them your first name, Moll.”

  He chuckled a bit and watched me.
<
br />   Time to go, I thought.

  “I’m sorry, dear,” I tried to regain the previous ease. “It’s Cameron,” I lied. It was a name I used now and again.

  “And you and your husband?” he lifted his voice at the question,” are looking to buy the race horse?”

  “Oh, yes, of course,” I reassured. “My husband Walter and I have a new interest in racing. He’s a bit older than me, you understand. The races are something we can do together.”

  “So, he’s gone with you to see races at Arlington,” McSleazy pried further.

  “Well, yes, once or twice,” I replied, thinking fast. “But he’ll be joining me more once we get Black Magic Fever!”

  “Speaking of Walter,” I continued, checking my watch. “I really need to get back. We have an appointment this afternoon. So sorry to rush!”

  I had trouble reading the doctor as I fumbled with some cash.

  “I’ve got it,” he brushed my money away.

  “Well, thanks so much, hon,” I rose to go. “I’ll be calling soon.”

  He stayed seated, watching me leave.

  Crap on toast, I thought. I was pretty sure I had blown my cover. I definitely gave him reason to doubt. I made my way out to the lobby and checked my phone. I was still within the hour I gave Jim with Sentinel. I hurried out to the Jeep before the doctor could pepper me with more questions.

  Once there, I stopped my recording and saved it. I called in to let my backup know that everything was fine. I may have put my cover at risk, but I got some good dirt on Dr. Edward Millwood and some heavy implications to Dessi.

  Pulling out of the parking lot, I headed back towards Roscoe Village. I used my Bluetooth to call the Mennons and let them know how the meeting went.

  “Everything alright?” Sam asked.

  “Definitely,” I replied. “I may have blown my cover, but I think I got some good evidence. I at least have enough to clear Ty if it comes down to that.”

  “That’s good,” he agreed. “But anything on Dessi?”

  I could hear that I was on speakerphone.

  “Nothing hard,” I admitted. “But I did get him to talk about him. He indicated some shady dealings, but when I pushed harder, he turned the conversation on me and started asking questions.”

  “Ooh, that’s not good.”

  “No, but at least I got what I came for,” I replied.

  “Did you check for a tail?” came Wyatt’s voice.

  “Yeah, I was paying attention,” I promised. “Nothing.”

  I heard Wyatt grunt in reply. He was a man of many words.

  “I’ll send you guys the tape and see what you think about it. You may hear something I didn’t.”

  “Thanks, Mal,” said Suzy’s voice.

  “No problem. I’m going to head back into town and see what I can dig up on Dessi’s wins.”

  “I can look too,” Sam promised. “See if there are any owners related to the Dessis.”

  “I was thinking that, too.” I grinned at Sam’s line of thinking. He was good at this stuff.

  “One more thing,” Sam stopped me before I could hang up. “It’s just that after you left I couldn’t quit thinking about Mayor Koch.”

  “Okay,” I asked, curious.

  “So, I did some digging,” Sam explained, obviously proud of himself. “The newspaper editor, Arthur Blake, was a lead supporter or the Mayor’s campaign. He’s from a wealthy family. The Blake’s have had political ties the past few generations at least. It looks like Arthur significantly helped to fund Mayor Koch’s campaign.”

  “Holy crap, Sam!” I exclaimed. “Did you hack his financial records?”

  “Uh, no,” Sam said dejectedly, then explained. “Campaign contributions are public record.”

  “Oh,” I said, relaxing. “I had no idea.”

  “But still, I knew where to look,” Sam rebutted, trying to regain my good impression.

  “That’s great work, Sam,” I smiled. “You’re becoming quite the detective.”

  “Yeah?!” Sam asked excitedly.

  “Most definitely.”

  Chapter 23

  I had to call Mathews to let her know the news. I knew she’d just pass it along to Harris, but that was okay with me. I’d rather him hear it second hand. It made me smile.

  I made a left and used my voice command to dial Mathews’ number. Good thing I programmed it in last time I used it.

  “Hey, Mal,” she answered.

  “Hey yourself.” I was feeling pretty good wrapping up the business with the fires and getting some solid evidence where Dessi and Dr. Millwood were concerned.

  “It’s a good thing you called. I have some news for you,” she offered. “We pulled the business licenses and at least two of them have solid evidence that Mayor Koch was signing off without all the inspections being completed. One of those, being the security for the building, which is required for schools now. There are some other questionable items, but those are the strongest. We finally had enough to get a warrant and to bring him in for questioning.”

  “That’s great work,” I congratulated her.

  “Well, Harris got the physical warrant, but he’s let me stay on the case.”

  “Good enough,” I smiled, pulling into my office parking space.

  “I’m sure Jermaine will be pleased to hear that the Mayor will answer for his part in this.”

  “Yes,” she agreed. “It’s a bit bittersweet, to be honest. Meeting destruction with destruction.”

  “Agreed. Not really the ideal situation,” I nodded, disconnecting from my Bluetooth and walking into the office.

  “They put him into psychiatric care. From what we can tell, he wasn’t like this before the incident with his daughter. I think a little extra help will go a long way for Mr. Lewis.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” I replied. “When you’re working through your investigation, you should check the Mayor’s campaign funds. Looks like Arthur Blake, the newspaper editor at the Tribune was a heavy supporter.”

  “Really? Well, that would explain why he’s never had the bad press other Mayors have experienced.”

  “Yeah, and the fires as well,” I agreed, sitting at my desk. I leaned back and crossed my feet on my desk. “I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the Mayor was behind the threats to the other local newspapers.”

  “We’ve got someone looking into that,” Mathews promised. I could hear her shuffling papers in the background.

  “So, did you find anything connecting Chief Sullivan?” I asked.

  “Honestly, no,” she replied. “I mean, he definitely supported the projects, but he wasn’t physically on the board. Chief Sullivan’s work centered on fundraising and networking. He did a lot of public awareness work. They were using the Mayor as a figurehead for city support, but Sully was seen as one, too, just because he was such an active supporter.”

  She paused. “Look, Mal, I know you were looking for a connection here. But there doesn’t seem to be one. Sorry to disappoint you.”

  I put my feet on the ground and sat up. “I wasn’t looking for a connection,” I stammered. “It just seemed shady. It looked like there was one.”

  Had I been looking for a connection? I knew that a few things didn’t quite feel right, but I thought I had been keeping an open mind. Isn’t that what I told Rhodes?

  “Isn’t it a bit odd, though that Sully, I mean, Chief Sullivan had been involved in the same work that Mayor Koch worked on.”

  “Not particularly,” Mathews explained. “Sullivan has a passion for outreach efforts on the Fire Department. It’s an auxiliary function he runs. And the Mayor has been actively trying to influence the polls for re-election.”

  I winced. I had a bad feeling that I had been a little quick to jump on my impression. It wasn’t like me to not probe a little deeper into someone’s background before I judged them. The worst part was that I was starting to wonder if Rhodes had been right.

  I leaned an elbow on my desk and pr
opped up my temple.

  “Anyway, we’re still digging through the evidence,” Officer Mathews continued. “If I find anything different I’ll let you know. But we’re not actively pursuing a connection.”

  “I understand, thanks for staying open minded,” I replied. “I’m starting to think maybe I hadn’t.”

  “Eh, we all do at one point or another. It just depends on what you do in the future that will shape you.”

  “I’ll definitely be keeping an open mind in the future,” I promised. There was something else I could do, too. But that was a lot more unpleasant than admitting it to myself and Mathews.

  “I would anticipate a hearing will be scheduled in the near future to look into this issue and the other projects as well. Because of this turn of events, we put Paul in protective custody. His article is being published tomorrow morning.”

  “Thanks for doing that,” I said, sitting up. I was glad Paul would be safe from retribution.

  “There’s a good chance he’ll need to stay there until the investigation is over, though,” Mathews explained.

  “How’s Paul feel about that?” I wondered.

  “He’s excited beyond words.” I could hear the smile in Mathews voice. “Something about good publicity.”

  I chucked a bit, glad to hear Paul had gotten his scoop. He deserved it for fighting so hard to publish the truth. I was glad things had worked out for some of the people involved. Jermaine would be getting the help he needed, and it sounded like the Mayor was getting what he deserved.

  There was just one more thing to do. I sighed, getting up from the desk. I really didn’t want to do this part. I grabbed my keys again, shoved my hands through my hair, probably upsetting the waves, and stalked determinately out the door.

  For all my decisiveness at the office, my resolve started to wane a bit when I shut my engine off in Bricktown and sat staring at the fire station. I weighed my options, but even if I wasn’t trying to fix this thing that had started to develop with Rhodes, I would probably come and apologize. It wasn’t about fixing what had broken, it was about doing the right thing.