Cam Derringer Box Set

by Mac Fortner

  “No, I’m good,” he said. “Keep an open mind about Alexis though.”

  “I’ll give her every benefit of the doubt.”

  “You know, if William won’t give you the loan, or invest I mean, I’ll be glad to.”

  “Can’t do that bro, but I appreciate the offer. Family and all you know.”

  “Yeah, I know, but the offer stands. I have hundreds of millions now.”

  “Are you bragging?”

  “Yeah, I think I am.”

  “See ya. Take care.”

  “I will, you too.”

  Chapter 26

  I was still at my apartment going over my notes when my phone rang. It was Chief McNally.

  “Hi Cam.”

  “Hi Chief.”

  “Did you get in trouble for ratting out the FBI?”

  “Yep. Thanks for that,” I said.

  “You’re welcome. Anyway, I’ve got a report for you. Emanuel didn’t have anything to do with this. Whoever hired that assassin, it wasn’t him.”

  “Too bad. I was hoping it was.”

  “Yeah, me to. I’d like to put that bum away. And I might have if you wouldn’t have got him off.”

  “You had a weak case. Next time get it right.”

  “Next time don’t look for loopholes.”

  “Thanks for the call Chief.”

  I hung up and thought about Tom Carrington again. If he left on his own accord, he would have told Jerald Banks, so what if he didn’t leave on his own? The first time I visited Chad there, I had to jump through hoops just to get to his apartment. Security there is top notch. I had a thought. I called the front desk at The Barclay.

  “The Barclay. How may I help you?” the concierge answered.

  “Hello Ben, this is Cam Derringer.”

  “Yes, hello mister Derringer. How are you today?”

  “I’m well, thank you. I have a question for you, though.”

  “Alright, I’ll try to help you.”

  “Do you have security cameras inside showing the hallways on each floor?”

  “Yes, we do.”

  “I wonder if I could have a look at the tapes from the last few days.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “I’m working on a missing person case, and I think he was last seen in your building,” I lied.

  “Who might that be?”

  “Tom Carrington.”

  “I didn’t know he was missing. I’ll be glad to show you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. How is Mister Chadwick?”

  “He’s doing well. I’ll visit him while I’m there today. Is it alright if I come over now?”

  “I’ll have the tapes ready for you. I’ll set them up on a monitor in our office.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  I took a taxi to The Barclay. By the time I arrived the office had been set up for me. I started reviewing the tapes from two days ago. I was able to fast forward through all the impertinent action. I stopped when I saw Tom arrive in the lobby. I paused the screen and checked the time. It was five-sixteen p.m. the day before yesterday. I started the action again slowing down the speed a little. I didn’t see anything again until eight-twelve p.m. It was Adrian Boykov. He went to the desk and talked to the night manager. The manager picked up the phone and dialed. I stopped the film and called for the concierge.

  “Yes?” he said as he entered the office.

  “Do you have a record of visitors?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you tell me who this gentleman visited the night before last at eight-twelve p.m.?

  He looked at the screen.

  “Let me check,” he said, going to the computer on his desk.

  “Yes. Mister Boykov visited Mister Carrington at that time.”

  “Thanks. Is there a film of the hallway in front of Tom’s room?

  “Yes. Press R and 652.”

  I did. The screen changed to the sixth floor. I started the movement again. Adrian appeared from the elevator a minute later. He walked to Tom’s apartment 652 and knocked. The door was opened, and Adrian entered.

  I fast hit forward again. At nine twenty-three the door opened, and Adrian stepped into the hallway. He was carrying a backpack. He didn’t have one when he entered. I picked him up again in the lobby and watched him exit the building.

  I guess he really did know Tom, but I wonder what was in the backpack. It sure wasn’t big enough for a body.

  I thanked the concierge and asked him if I might come back and review the film again later.

  “Any time Mister Derringer. Just let me know.”

  I asked Ben to call Chad and let him know I was on my way up.

  ~***~

  Andrei pressed the combination on the rear gate of the estate to turn off the alarm. Next, he pressed the numbers to unlock the gate. It opened, and he walked in. He walked toward the front lawn and stopped at the spot he was told would have the perfect view of the driveway. She was right. He had just enough room to kneel behind the bushes and lay his case on the ground.

  He waited. A taxi pulled into the drive and circled to a point in front of the mansion entry. Andrei raised the rifle and watched Robert open the door through his site. With the crosshairs perfectly lined he squeezed the trigger and watched Robert fall. He replaced the rifle in its case, retraced his route and left the estate grounds. When he closed the back gate, he placed his card behind the keypad.

  Chapter 27

  I had was sitting on the sofa in tennis shorts, watching TV when I entered.

  “I see you’re living the good life,” I said.

  “I’m sick of this damn TV. You want to go get a drink?”

  “I’m game if you are.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  “Would Alexis like to join us?”

  “She’s at the market. She must have stopped to shop along the way.”

  Chad changed into khakis and a golf shirt.

  We went down to the bar and ordered two Piont Noirs.

  We sipped our wine in silence for a few minutes. I could tell something was bothering Chad.

  “Is something on your mind Chad?”

  “Yes. I had a visit from Robert today. He told me something I already knew, but I want to tell you.”

  “Alright, but I might already know.”

  “I doubt it. Robert is gay.”

  “Yep, knew it.”

  “You did? How?

  I told him about having twenty-four hours to prove Robert innocent and what I found in the process.

  “You mean they think Robert might have something to do with me getting shot?”

  “They’re trying to cover all the bases. I think this pretty well proves that he did not.”

  “And what about Emanuel? Could he have had anything to do with it?”

  “I don’t know. I talked to McNally, who assured me, he would know if it were Emanuel who ordered the hit.”

  We paused and took another drink of our wine.

  “Is the FBI any closer to finding Bloodshot, or are they just looking at Robert and Alexis?” Chad said.

  “They’ve never been close to finding Bloodshot. He’s good. He comes into the country, makes his kill and leaves. Never leaves a trace, other than his card. He just taunts them.”

  “I wonder if he’s going to take another go at me?”

  “He hit you where he was aiming. I think he’s done with you. The question is, who’s next?”

  Chad’s phone rang. He checked the caller ID. “It’s William,” he said.

  “Hello.”

  “Chad, you need to go to the Mount Sinai Hospital. Robert has been shot in the leg. He’s conscious, and the wound isn’t life-threatening, but he’s in some pain.”

  “I’m on the way.”

  “What is it?” I said.

  “We know who’s next.”

  ~***~

  When we arrived at the hospital, we were directed right to his room. We w
ere glad to see that he was sitting up on his bed and smiled at us as we entered.

  “He got me,” Robert said. “That damn Russian got me.”

  “How ya feeling?” Chad asked.

  “I’m good. Just a nick.”

  “I’m sorry I got you into this,” Chad said.

  “How do you know I didn’t get you into this?”

  “How?”

  “Maybe it’s something to do with the Sunny Lake property.”

  “I don’t know. Really, no one does.”

  “We need to find this guy before someone gets killed,” Robert said.

  “I’m working on something that might be of use to us,” I said. “It’s a long shot, but I might know who Bloodshot is.”

  They both looked at me. “You mean you might have figured out what the FBI has been trying to reckon for years?” Chad said.

  “Maybe. Like I said, it’s a long shot.”

  “Tell us, maybe we can help,” Robert said.

  “Do you remember that Russian from the bachelor party that no one seemed to know?”

  “Yeah, I remember him,” Chad said.

  “I ran into him again, quite by accident, in front of the Hilton downtown. He said his name was Adrian Boykov. We talked a little about the party. He said that Tom Carrington invited him since he was in town to see Tom. Supposedly they were old friends. Later, I went to The Barclay to see Tom, but it seems he has disappeared.”

  “I haven’t seen him in a few days, but then I’ve kind of been laid up,” Chad said.

  “Well, I watched some security tapes and saw Adrian enter Tom’s apartment. He left with a backpack he didn’t have when he entered.”

  “Was Tom with him?” Robert asked.

  “No. he was alone.”

  “Did you see Tom leave later?”

  “No. I quit watching the tape after Adrian left.”

  “So, where’s Tom?”

  “Don’t know.”

  I thought about that for a while. Maybe I should go watch the rest of those tapes.

  “Any ideas why this guy is just wounding people. He could easily have killed us instead?” Chad said.

  “That’s the big question. It doesn’t make any sense,” I said.

  Robin entered the room. “Robert, are you okay?”

  “I’ll live.”

  “Thank God,” she said. “We found his card again. This time on the back gate, where he knew the combo and just strolled right in.”

  Robert looked at Chad. “That doesn’t mean anything,” Chad said.

  “He could have gotten it from anyone.”

  “Yeah, maybe, but why would anyone there, give it to him?” Robert said.

  “I don’t know, but that’s what we’re going to find out,” Chad said.

  “I’m sorry guys,” Robin said, “but this proves that Robert didn’t hire him, so I’m going to have to look at everyone. Alexis included.”

  “Fine,” Chad said, “but look at her father too. Maybe he didn’t want me to marry her. He’ll lose a lot of money.”

  “I’ll look at everyone,” Robin stated.

  Chad's phone rang again. It was Alexis.

  “Where are you?” she asked. “I have steaks marinating.”

  “I’m at the hospital. Roberts been shot.”

  “Oh no. Is he okay?

  “Yeah, just a little nick in the leg. It was Bloodshot again.”

  “Hey, it was a big nick,” Robert said, “Bigger than yours.”

  “As you can tell, he’s medicated,” Chad said into the phone.

  “I’ll be right there,” Alexis said.

  “I don’t think that’s necessary. He’ll be out before you get here.”

  “Bring him here, and we’ll take care of him.”

  “Okay, put on an extra steak.”

  They hung up, and Chad told Robert he was coming to supper.

  Robert was silent. “Come on Robert. I’ll protect you from her. I’ll taste your food before you eat it,” Chad said.

  “Yeah, okay, what the hell. I like living on the edge.”

  “Any more Questions for Robert right now?” I asked Robin.

  “No, not now. We’ll let him rest.”

  “I’ll see you guys later, I have a few things to look into,” I said. “Come on Robin. I’ll walk you out.”

  On the way, I filled her in on my thoughts about the Russian from the party.

  “To me, it sounds as if you have an overactive imagination. The man evidently knew Tom, or he wouldn’t have let him in.”

  “Yeah, maybe, but it doesn’t feel right.”

  “Leave the investigating to me, Cam. You can defend him when we catch him.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing, just a little frustration coming out,” she said apologetically.

  “I have a few things to do,” I said, “Will I see you for supper tonight?”

  “I’ll have to take a rain check. I have a few things of my own to check on.”

  “Okay, I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” I said, kissed her on the cheek, turned and walked away.

  I was a little mad about her comment. I know I shouldn’t let it get to me. Coming from anyone else, I wouldn’t give it a thought, but I think my job bothers her.

  Chapter 28

  I went back to my apartment, fixed a stiff drink and ran a bath in my spa. I had finished the drink before the tub was filled, so I fixed another.

  I was listening to some good ‘ole down home Key West music and singing along. I opened my eyes. Kailey was standing in my bathroom watching me. She was naked again.

  “What ya’ doin’?” she said giggling.

  I sat up and pushed some bubbles over my private parts.

  “How did you get in here?”

  “Same way as the last time,” she said, stepping into the bath.

  She sat down and raised her own drink, which I hadn’t noticed before. How could I? “To good music,” she toasted and drank.

  So did I.

  “Kailey, what do you think your husband would say if he knew you were here?”

  She said, in a deep voice, “Come on Kailey, not again,” and laughed.

  I couldn’t help but laugh too. It was funny. This girl comes off so gentle and loving, but I bet she could take your head off if she wanted to.

  “Is Robin here?”

  “No, not today.”

  “Too bad. She’s hot.”

  “Yes, she is.”

  “Is Chad okay? That was terrible.”

  “Yeah, he’s fine. Did you hear about Robert?”

  “No, what happened to him?”

  “He was shot in the leg today by the same guy.”

  She got a frightened look on her face. “The same guy?”

  “Yep.”

  “Why? Who is this guy and what’s he want?”

  “We don’t know, but we’ll find out.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Kailey, why are you here? This is kind of weird having a conversation with a naked girl in my tub.”

  “Just thought I would drop by to see if you have changed your mind. I would still like to fuck you,” she said.

  “I haven’t changed my mind. You’re married, and I don’t sleep with married women.”

  She looked disappointed. “Well, can I stay and finish my drink?”

  “Why not,” I said in surrender. There was a time I would have killed for this opportunity, but now I feel as if I’m cheating on Robin and I really want that to work.

  “Cool,” she said.

  She was sitting up, and her breasts were higher than the water line. It was an amazing sight.

  We made small talk. She said she was from Biloxi Mississippi. She was born Kailey Parker. Her father wasn’t around much, and he died a few years ago, an accident, and her mother left with a coworker when she was seventeen. She was left on her own to survive. She got a job at Walmart and finished high school. She moved here and got a job waiting tables. That�
�s where she met William. We talked about William and all his money.

  “You know, I just married him for his money,” she said.

  “Really?” I acted surprised.

  “Yeah, but I told him up front. He said it was okay as long as I would sleep with him and walk around the house naked.”

  “How very understanding of him,” I said.

  “Yes, he is. He’s a good man, and I do love him. I’m just not in love with him.”

  “I see.”

  We finished our drinks. I was a little sad that we did. The more we talked, the more I liked this girl. She was overly honest and quite a free spirit. Really, just the way everyone would like to be. You couldn’t help but like her.

  “Well, I guess I’ll go now,” she said standing.

  “Let me get you a towel,” I said standing also.

  She looked down at me, “Nice,” she said, smiling.

  I looked down at her, “Likewise,” and smiled also.

  We dried off and dressed. I walked her to the door.

  “I’ll see you around,” she said and kissed me.

  This time I didn’t break it off as fast.

  “I’m going shopping the day after tomorrow at the Osterman Boutique. There is a nice hotel across the street if you change your mind–Eleven,” she said.

  “Goodbye,” I said, and opened the door.

  “Toodles.”

  It was late, so I decided to call it a night. Tomorrow I would go back to The Barclay and review the rest of the tape.

  I was lying in bed reading the next chapter in my book when I heard my door open. Oh no, I thought, not Kailey again.

  I stood and walked to the bedroom door and peeked out.

  “Robin,” I said. “This is a surprise.”

  “Hi, Cam. Hope I didn’t wake you.”

  “Not at all, I was just reading.”

  “I felt sorry about today, and I want to apologize. I know your job is just as important as mine. I’m just frustrated. Sometimes you hurt the ones you love because no one else is around.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  “Thank you. Are you sleepy?”

  “No, I’m not. What do you have in mind?”

  “I’ll fix a couple of drinks if you’ll fill the spa,” she said.

  I would be wrinkled as a prune by morning.