by C. Meyer
Dana’s Charlie and Dana were not the only investigation veterans invited. Doctor Lytle the dapper Broward Medical Examiner and friend of both Charlies as well as Dana was there. He was accompanied by his recent fiancé the well-known freelance glitter painter, Lana de Palet.
Most of the other guests were distinctly younger and friends of the happy couple. Several had brought a child or two as Martine and Christophe of Delice Paradise had prevailed on their friend the well-known TV personality, Mr. Hudson who shared the fun painting to kids on his popular TV show. Mr. Hudson would be entertaining adults and kids alike with his one of his ever popular speed painting demonstrations. Mr. Hudson was also Dana’s Charlie’s mentor and good friend.
“Great as always to see you Hudson” offered Charlie when he saw his balding friend with long grey hair and sporting trademark lavender shoes. And you Lana. “Glad to see you two finally realized that the tension between you was really unrequited love.”
Mr. Hudson bowed gracefully in return, and when are you and the ever lovely Miss La Blonde finally going to do the same?
“There’s no tension between us to be resolved, Hudson,” replied Dana were just two shamefully independent sods bound by love,” smiled Dana.
------
While the party carried on, someone known to the partiers was stirring as she cook stew upstate. Her fellow inmates in the kitchen pretended watched with interest. The cook wasn’t aware of the engagement party, but somehow knew about Write Stuff again meeting at Panera’s tonight.
“Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn and caldron bubble,” chanted Isabella Lopez as she stirred the kettle.
Several inmates nearby joined her chant, “Cool it with a fat rat’s blood, then the charm is firm and good…”
------
“Welcome back Debbie. It’s so good to see you. It’s been a while.” Said Karen in greeting to the first Write Stuff member to arrive at their new venue.
“Is it safe?” teased Debbie in return.
“I’m sure it is” replied Karen mirthfully. “Charlie will be so sad he missed you. He’s at an engagement party for Inspector Chang’s daughter. It seems you’re something of a favorite with him. He’s asked about you many times.”
“That’s sweet. Good for Chang’s daughter though I’ve had quite enough of that Inspector Chang. Let me tell you about…
Before she could go on other members started to file in. Some were long term core members. Others were lapsed members. Others still were newbies.
As people settled down, Karen was about to start the meeting, Debbie was sitting next to Karen and at here ear again.
“I expect from your look earlier, you don’t want to hear more about those horrible murders, but I need to share one thing I recently realized. It may something or may be nothing – you know just one of those crazy coincidences.”
Karen looked pained and skeptical but didn’t try to shut Debbie off.
“Both the girls who were murdered - just died or whatever - were seated next to me and one down from the group leader. Weird, don’t ya think?”
Karen looked all the more skeptical. “Yea weird, why is it you always sit next to the group leader?” she replied with uncharacteristic sarcasm in intentional misunderstanding belying her impatience.
A relative newbie, Nancy who was a rather spiritual life’s coach seated on the other side of Debbie overheard as did others. She took the message more seriously and moved to the end of the table covering her departure with a smile and a “Can’t be too careful.”
The seat was to remain empty for a good while.
Before the meeting could begin. The group received a visit most unexpected and rather unwelcomed. It was from Karl Dulop.
“I just wanted to welcome you all back.” Began Karl’s. Karl would assume wrongly that no interruptions or comments meant acceptance and assent. “I’m glad to be done with all that unpleasantness. Just want you to know that I was exonerated too. Now I’m back in good standing here in Coral Springs. Yep, back as manager here though I had to sue damned Boca Rotan and Panera to get back here where my family lives. No hard feelings on my side. Hope you feel the same. In fact, to show my hospitality I’ve asked Jerry, a wonderful chef – not a cook mind you – a chef I found in Boca to prepare some real special refreshments for those of you who like to enjoy them after your meeting.
Everyone was wordless. Some didn’t fully understand about Karl who was at the very least romantically linked to the confessed murderess, Isabela Lopez and managed a polite uncomprehending smile. Others that remembered Dulop just sat in stunned silence their minds awhirl. No one noticed a small piece of paper drop out of Karl’s pocket and on to the floor as he brushed by a newbie seated at the end of the table.
The writers and poets proved a resilient, determined bunch. Soon their meeting was underway. People were reading some really interesting stuff and sharing comments. Dulop and the past soon forgotten. The comments were as lively, diplomatic, and peppered with mirth as always.
--------
Mr. Hudson was clearly a big hit with both the kids and adults as the engagement party as he dished out delicious non-stop gab while demonstrating how various painting strokes, brushes, and palate knives could quickly turn a blank canvas into a wonderful impressionist work of art.
“And this, my friends is a palate knife. It is the friend of the palate which holds the paint till the knife is ready for it…”started Hudson moving into the second half of his show.
Suddenly, there was a horrific scream quickly followed by the shouts of Lana de Palate.
“THAT’S IT. IT’S MINE. I ALWAYS KNEW IT WAS HIM THAT STOLE IT. Officers arrest that man. Oh, how long I’ve waited for this day. The sacrifices I have made. I even slept with that vile creature in hopes he would slip and my palate held dear from college days would be restored. Now he has. That’s my pallet. ARREST HIM I SAY!
Mr. Hudson was a portrait in stone. Clearly aghast but silent. Kids were crying. The adults were silent the mouths agape. It was only Dana who moved forward – just being nice - to comfort the woman.
It was Sergeant Smiley who first tried to bring order and sense out of the chaos Lana had wrought.
“Please be calm everyone. I know this woman. I’ve heard her charge several times in the past. Naturally, we’ve investigated it. It seems that one week several years ago Miss La Palate left her palate in a class Mr. Hudson once taught. When she returned several weeks later it was gone. We learned that classroom is always left unlocked and used for many unrelated events. Literally hundreds of people had access to it. There was no indication that Mr. Hudson was anyway involved in the palate’s disappearance. Despite our initial investigation Miss La Palate periodically visits the station to present her charge anew.
IT’S A CONSPIRACY, the cops are in on it too. Will somebody see that justice is done? ARREST THEM ALL!
Mr. Hudson was gentle. “Here Lana. Take this palate. It’s not yours, but I have another.”
Dana, smiled a kindly at the compassionate man.
In time, help arrived and Lana was gently led away for observation the palate tightly held to her chest.
To say the least, the episode put a damper on the party. Mr. Hudson finished his demonstration but his banter now seemed lame. Clearly his heart was no longer in it. The partiers also tried to put the episode aside but soon were making excuses and drifting away till only the people closest to the happy couple were left.
------------
As the party was wearing down a few doors away the Write Stuff group was full steam ahead nearing its last reader of the night. Everyone was fascinated as Debbie neared the conclusion of her gripping nursing home drama. Even Debbie didn’t notice a newbie member who appeared to have the starting time wrong silently slip in and take the last seat. It was the seat next to Debbie. Debbie continued reading.
“That was wonderful Debbie.” Began Karen “I’ll hold my comments for now. Let’s all welcome Roxanne.
; Some “HI’s” followed
Since you’re a bit tardy Roxanne and couldn’t have heard much,” she smiled kindly, “let’s start the comments with Lee.
“I’m so excited -- interjected Debbie before Lee could respond all aglow with victory over the written word -- to have finished my novel. I suppose you all know but finishing your first book is really a trip.”
Lee was well into heaping praise along with a few technical suggestions when it happened.
Roxanne tried to rise then fell back.
“No, no, no not me.” she gasped.
Everyone looked with horror as smoke seemed to rush out of her forehead. When the smoke and cleared somewhat a large “666” was clearly emblazoned on her forehead and Roxanne was dead.
Everyone at the table men and women were screaming. A couple rushed for the doors.
Soon, clearly too soon for in the minds of some, Karl Dulop was at the table.
“Calm down everyone. These things happened. I’ve already called 911. The police should be here momentarily. If you’d care to have some special refreshments while we wait…”
The group had settled somewhat and more in shock from Dulop’s words and manner than any calming effect and remained largely in place. Lee was the first to speak up.
“Good of you Dulop. Tell us did you call them before or after Roxanne tried to get up?”
“Yea, said Luke, a former priest “that was a mighty quick reaction – too God damned quick.”
Police sirens could already be heard rapidly approaching as a large man with hair akin to dreadlocks seated near Dulop rose.
“She was barely more than a girl mutha fucka” he shouted kicking Dulop’s feet from under him with lightning speed and supplying a karate chop as Dulop fell rendering him unconscious before he hit the floor.”
Moments later Matilda, a local reporter was on her feet kicking the unconscious Dulop in the groin shouting, “You God Damned misogynist abuser.”
“EVERYONE ONE FREEZE!” roared two male voices then, “HANDS OVER YOUR HEADS! That means you too lady. Back away from that man” Two of Coral Springs finest had arrived their guns now drawn.
“Is he dead”, asked one as he approached Dulop spread out on the floor like a comatose Saint Bernard.
“No, he is just sleeping,” came a surprisingly soft voice from the large man now wearing a rather out of place smile.
“She is the dead one”, shouted Debbie in a breaking voice pointing to Joanne sprawled out on the chair beside her with one hand while keeping her other raised. “Dulop on the floor there killed her.”
The wound on Roxanne was all too visible. By appearance Roxanne was all too dead.
Soon the place was swarming with police and medics. Dulop had regained consciousness and was being treated by EMT’s.
-------
“Confucius say ‘where many sirens there is murder’” remarked Chang to Dana as the few remaining engagement partiers went to the door to see what was happening.
“He didn’t really did he, Charlie?” asked Dana as she joined him at the restaurant’s door.
“Most doubtful, Dana. But I think same when I see maybe a dozen patrol cars over there at Panera’s. To be sure it something more serious than burned rice.”
“Guess the party’s over folks.” Said Chief Kong resignedly as he joined them. “Just got the call. Shall we all take a walk?”
“Me too, Simon?” asked Dana.
“Why not? Maybe you’ll get another medal.” replied Kong perhaps a touch sarcastically.
“And me?” asked Dana’s Charlie.
“It’s your writing group. Please tag along.”
“I don’t need an invitation.” Put in Doctor Lytle. “Maybe we should invite Hudson too, he could sketch the body.” He added ironically.
“Uh, no thanks. Think I’ll take a pass on that.” Returned Hudson. “Have to be up before sunrise you know.”
Dana’s Charlie’s head spun around in amazement as the group started for Panera’s. He turned back to tell Dana what he’d seen but as he was slowed by an arthritic leg and Dana was spurting ahead of him at her usual bunny rabbit pace. His comment on what he’d seen went unsaid. No walk was particularly pleasant for Charlie. By the time he got to Panera’s and able to sit down Charlie would have all but forgotten his observation as he took in the chaotic scene there.
--------
As his group approached Panera’s Simon Kong got new insight as to why he, an outsider, had been offered the job of Chief of Police and told to clean house. He counted at least twelve squad cars, three fire department ambulances, and two fire trucks arrayed in front of the restaurant. This was much more than overwhelming force. He thought it absurd. He also heard an anonymous voice from amid the arrayed cadre of police officers announcing. “All hail, the King and his court cometh.”
Inside the scene was worse. It seemed all discipline had broken down. Police were concentrated at the back of the restaurant mingling with guests enjoying snacks and beverages. These were being served by Panera staff members under the direction of a tall thin man who looked hauntingly familiar to Kong. Also a man he immediately recognized as Karl Dulop was seated and getting the attention of two female EMT’s while Dulop seemingly directed the tall thin man’s efforts.
A familiar voice next to Chief Kong spoke. “Confucius…”
“Yes” encouraged Kong.
“Confucius would be at a loss for words.” finished Chang.
Inspector DeBuff was apparently in charge. He greeted the group and asked Chief Kong if he’d care for a carbonated beverage.
“The horde ours are excellent Chief.” giggled DeBuff.
The King ruled swiftly. “No thanks, DeBuff, you can go home. We’ll talk about your future with the department in the morning.”
Not all the police were partying. Several were keeping watch on a group toward the front of the restaurant Dana’s Charlie identified as veteran Write Stuff group members.
“The slender gray haired grandma type is Karen, she is our new leader. The taller gray haired woman at the end of the table is Lee. The attractive dark haired woman still seated next to the body is Debbie.
“Most remarkable woman that Debbie”, interjected Chang ironically, “she comes to all our murders and suspicious deaths.”
“The big African American guy in cuffs is a federal agent who works undercover. The woman in cuffs is a reporter on the Journal. Can’t recall her name.”
“You telling me my guys put a federal officer and a reporter in cuffs, Charlie?”
“Unless they cuffed each other, Simon.” replied Dana’s Charlie
“Sheet, let’s start with them. We’ll get to the partyers later.
“Betty…Dana please to go to party. Eat nothing, say little but listen most carefully.” requested Chang. Then he, Chief Kong and Doctor Lytle started to move toward the more serious group surrounding the dead woman. Dana’s Charlie was left to contemplate his navel.
-------
“Why is this black man in cuffs, Officer Simms?” questioned Kong without preamble.
“KO’d the restaurant manager and looked ready to do more harm. He doesn’t carry ID. Has a wise ass mouth too…. and ya know, chief, he is not like the rest of us.”
“Did he tell you he was a federal officer?”
“Sure did but no ID so we can bring him up on impersonation as well as assault, right?”
“Most nice to see you again, Agent Johnston. Feel like harming anyone now.”
“No sir, Inspector Chang.”
“Good” said Simon. Release this man so we can have a civilized conversation with him. He is one of us…. And the woman?”
“Kicked the manager in the balls when he was down and out.”
“This true, madam?”
“Sorry, I guess. I lost my temper when he offered us refreshments after the bastard killed Roxanne. I’m sure he’s responsible.”
“Let us be the judge of that. A bit calmer now and not lik
ely to kick anyone else?”
Matilda, the reporter nodded yes and was un-cuffed on Kong’s orders.
“Now, tell me how the dead woman died.” Kong asked of the older of the two officers.
“No one seems to know, but many of the witnesses are sure that Dulop, the manager here had something to do with it. They say that 666 on her forehead just appeared along with a cloud of smoke and she fell back in her chair dead.”
“Very similar wound to the Boca case, Simon.” Interrupted Doctor Lytle just returned from a quick inspection of the body. “The EMT’s are preparing to transfer the body for further examination. Again, as in Boca, it’s a rather handsome, young woman no more than thirty.”
“Shit, we know how that ended,” returned Kong.
Then Kong turned to the group, “Folks, I going to ask you to be patient. We really need to hear what you saw, but I have to attend to what looks more like a party than a murder scene in the back of the restaurant. Please be patient, we’ll be back and speaking with you as soon as possible.”
As Kong and Chang, started to move away from the writers’ table, he noticed Dana’s Charlie beckoning to him from his seat by the door.
“Guys, I saw something on the way over I thought surprising. Now that I see the kind of death we have here, I think it not only surprising but possibly very relevant.”
“And that was?” asked Kong.
“Martine’s car drove passed me.”
“Martine the Delice Paradise owner?” asked a puzzled Kong.
“No, Martine Domingo, who allegedly accidently called up the devil in Boca”
“See the plate?”
“Didn’t have to see the plate. Martine drives a VW Beetle convertible like Dana’s only much older….and she’s had it custom painted in psychedelic colors. Doubt there is another car like it in the world.”
Both inspectors looked intrigued.
“We should talk with most charming Martine.”
“I agree, Chang. I’ll send a couple uniforms to see if she is at home and is willing to come here for a wee chat.” Then to Dana’s Charlie. “Could be an important observation, Charlie. Wish some of my guys were as observant.”