by Mac Fortner
“Good, I hope you sleep like a baby,” I said.
“You know, I think I could use a little workout before bed. Wanna come over for about an hour?” she said.
“Really, a whole hour?”
“If you think you can take it,” she said.
“I’m on my way.”
“I’ll be in the tub. The door will be unlocked.”
“Don’t do that,” I said. “Remember, I have a key.”
“Oh yeah, well come on in then.”
“Bye,” I said as I was locking my door.
I arrived at Robins at six-thirty. I made excellent time. I opened the door and entered, locking the door behind me.
I could hear her singing in the tub. When I stepped into the bathroom, she had her eyes closed and earbuds in, listening to music and still singing.
I paused to look at her. She was beautiful lying there. I could see myself spending the rest of my life with her, but that wasn’t possible. For now, I’ll just take what time I can get.
I undressed and stepped into the tub. She started and gave a little “yeek.”
Seeing it was me she laughed and took out her earbuds.
“How long have you been here?” she said.
“Long enough to hear how great you sing and how great you look,” I said.
We had our bath session and then we took to the bedroom. I could tell when we were finished that Robin was spent. I think she will sleep like a baby.
“Don’t get up,” I said. “I’ll see my way out and maybe see you tomorrow.”
“I hope so,” she said. “One more thing I need to tell you. Eric had cancer. He was going to die anyway, and soon, so don’t feel bad about killing him. There was a deposit of one million dollars made in his wife’s banking account. I guess he did it for her.”
“Where did the deposit come from?” I said.
“Offshore banking account. No way to trace it. We’re leaving it in her account. He did us a favor,” she said.
“Good,” I said. “He told me he didn’t have the money he once had. Now his family will be okay.”
“Goodnight,” Robin said in a faint voice.
“Goodnight,” I said and kissed her on the forehead.
My cell rang on the way home, it was Chad
“Hey Cam,” he said, “Got a minute?”
“Sure, I just left Robins. I’m on my way home.”
“I need to go to Florida and see Robert. I was wondering if I could get you to go to the office tomorrow and handle the Turner case.”
“I thought you didn’t want me in the office,” I teased.
“Yeah, but now it’s to my advantage,” Chad said.
“Okay, for you I will.”
“See Janice, she has the information and the file. I know you’re familiar with it,” he said.
“Okay. Is Robert alright?” I said.
“Yeah, just a little business.”
“When will you be back?”
“Couple of days. Is that okay?” he said.
“Fine, see you then,” I said and disconnected.
Robin only had one more week here, and I had a few weeks. I hope this case doesn’t interfere with our getting together.
I wasn’t ready for bed when I got home, so I called Jack.
“Cam, why don’t you just come to Key West so you can check on Diane yourself,” he answered.
“That’s what I’ve got you for,” I said.
“She told me you haven’t called her for a week.”
“I know. A lot has happened. Where are you?”
“At Diane’s,” he said.
“Really? It’s nine o’clock there.”
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch. We’re watching some movies–PG,” he said.
“Okay, I guess. I’ll talk to her after I’m finished with you,” I said.
“Yes sir.”
“Did anything else come up on any of those names?”
“Nothing yet,” he said. “Anything new there.”
“Yeah, Bloodshot is dead and so is Eric,” I said.
“When did all this happen?”
“Three nights ago–Bloodshot killed William Arlington. Eric Meninx wounded Bloodshot, and I killed them both.”
“Shit Cam. Are you okay?” he said.
“Yeah, just a slight wound to the arm.”
I could hear Diane in the background trying to get the phone away from Jack.
“Put her on,” I said.
“Cam, what happened? Are you okay,” Diane said.
“Yep, I’m fine. What about you? Is Jack keeping his hands off you?”
“Don’t worry about that. He’s too afraid of you,” she said.
“I love you, and I’ll be home in about two weeks. For good,” I said.
“That sounds fantastic. Your boat should be ready by then,” she said.
“Great. Okay, put Jack back on, and I’ll call you in a few days.”
“Okay, love you too,” she said and handed Jack the phone.
“Will you check on Brian Wessel’s daughter?” I said. “You told me she was sent to Oklahoma to live with her Aunt and Uncle when her father was killed. I want to stop and see her on my way home. I think she would like to know that her father’s murderer has been dealt with.”
“I will. I think I have the address. I’ll text it to you. Anything else?”
“Not for now, unless you have a theory about who hired Bloodshot.”
“Sorry,” he said.
“Okay, I’ll be home in a couple of weeks. Don’t keep Diane up late,” I said.
“Not to worry.”
“Yeah,” I said and hung up.
Chapter 60
The next morning I went for a jog through Central Park. It was a little chilly, but the run warmed me up.
I woke up this morning with an epiphany. It must have come from talking to Jack last night. What if someone in Brian Wessel’s family had Bill killed? Sure it’s been a long time, and the charges were dropped, but it’s not impossible.
I was going to call Jack and have him trace the whole family. His daughter went to live with the aunt and uncle. Was it Brian’s sister or brother? It was a long shot, but right now, I’m just spinning my wheels.
As if on cue, my cell toned that I had a text.
I stopped to check it. It was from Jack. Brian’s daughter Elizabeth, age ten went to live with his sister Sharan and her husband Dennis McBride in Lawton, Oklahoma. The address was written below.
Like I said a long shot, but what do I have to lose.
I stopped and bought my usual donut at my favorite shop and sat on a park bench with a cup of coffee to partake.
The park and the coeds were a stunning sight, but I didn’t think I would miss it–much.
Key West was calling my name. All my favorite bars, the beach, all my old friends, and Diane. I would be a P.I. again. That meant very little paperwork, no significant scheduling and the best chocolate cinnamon honeybuns in the world. Life would be good again.
I finished my doughnut and was downing the last of my coffee when I felt a burning pain in my shoulder and a blunt force, drove me to the ground.
I couldn’t move. I could hear someone screaming and could see people running. I tried to get up, but someone gently pushed me back down and told me to lie still.
“What happened?” I said.
“You’ve been shot,” a man’s voice said, “It looks like it went through your shoulder. I’m calling 911. You’ll be fine.”
Great, I thought. It’s not over yet. Then everything went dark.
I woke in the hospital with Robin, and two of her agents standing over me.
“Cam, wake up,” Robin said.
“I’m awake,” I said, but it came out, “I wake.”
It took me a few minutes to regain any intellect. I asked, “What the hell happened?”
“You were shot in the park,” Robin said.
“In my park?”
“No, in the arm,�
� she said. “You were in the park.”
“Oh yeah. Did you get my doughnut?”
“No, your doughnut didn’t make,” she said and giggled.
“Who shot me?” I said, my world becoming a little more clear.
“We don’t know. Whoever it was, was hiding in the bushes and shot you with a forty-five. All the would-be witnesses ran for cover, so no one saw him.”
“Why would someone want to kill me now?” I said.
“I don’t know Cam, but this thing isn’t over yet,” Robin said.
“Mister Derringer,” one of the agents said, I thought I recognized him as Agent Thomas from Brady’s apartment, “did you see anyone following you in the park, or anyone that looked suspicious?”
“No. I was just jogging and enjoying a doughnut. I do it almost every day,” I said.
“Same routine every day huh,” he said, “You know, that isn’t wise.”
“Yeah, I figured as much,” I said.
“Get some rest,” Robin said, “I’ll take you home in a few hours.”
“Do you think whoever did this was trying to kill me?” I said.
“Could be. Difficult to tell. It’s hard to hit a target with a pistol,” she said.
Robin kissed me on the forehead, and they left.
The doctor came in and checked me.
“You’re a lucky man,” he said. “The bullet didn’t hit any vital organs or arteries. I couldn’t have placed it better if I had tried. You’ll be sore a few weeks, but you’ll have a full recovery. I’m going to put a sling on you. In two days I want you to start taking it off for a few minutes at a time and move your arm around.”
“Thanks, doc,” I said.
I lay there and thought. Why would someone shoot me now? Bloodshot was dead as was Eric. We don’t have any leads other than Brian Wessel’s family, but no one knew I was going to see them. Was Bill just an accident? Was the real target still out there and is it me?
Robin and Alexis picked me up at noon and took me home. On the way, I remembered Chad.
“Oh no,” I said. “Chad needed me in the office this morning.”
“I called the office,” Alexis said. “Janice canceled the appointment. I have talked to Chad. Everything is alright. He said for you to just rest and he would dock your pay.”
“Really? Nice guy,” I said.
After I was settled in my recliner and had my pain pills, the girls left. They stationed an agent outside my door. Robin said it would just be for a couple of days until I was able to fight for myself.
“Are they gone?” Kailey said, walking out of the bedroom naked, towel over her shoulder.
“Kailey, what the hell. How did you get in here?” I said.
She just looked at me.
“Never mind,” I said.
“I thought you would need to talk, so I dressed for it,” she said smiling.
I just looked at her.
“Come on now,” she said, “Doesn’t this cheer you up a little?”
“Yeah sure,” I said. “Have a seat.”
It really did cheer me up.
She placed the towel in the chair and sat.
Chapter 61
.
How are you feeling?” Kailey said.
“Not bad considering,” I replied.
“I’m sorry you were shot. I got here as quick as I could. I was hiding under the sink when the FBI searched the place.
“Really? That makes me feel safer. Did they pilfer anything?” I said.
“Yeah, one of them took the pot of gold.”
“What would you have done if Robin would have stayed here with me?” I said.
“I knew she wouldn’t. She has to find all the bad guys. You need a woman that will stand by you and love you,” she said.
“Oh,” I said, “and I guess that woman is you.”
“Yep,” she said, “You would never have to work again. We could travel all over the world together.”
“And, how long do you think it would be before you got bored with a fifty-three-year-old man slowing you down?”
“You wouldn’t slow me down. I would speed you up,” she said.
I laughed. I hoped it was the pills because I had a somewhat serious problem here.
“Would you like to get dressed?” I said.
“No.”
“Okay,” I relented.
“We talk better naked, and I have something to say,” she said.
“Okay, fire away.”
“I want you to quit trying to find the person who hired Bloodshot. Let the FBI do it. You’re going to wind up dead,” she said.
“But it’s personal now,” I said.
“I know, it’s real personal to me too, but you don’t see me out there asking questions, do ya’?” she said.
“It’s kind of my job,” I said.
“No, it isn’t. You’re a lawyer. Your job is to help people with legal matters,” she said with a little anger in her tone.
I knew she was right. I probably should let the FBI handle it, but so far I’ve come up with a lot more than any of them have. It’s like they have a leak or something.
“Yeah, I know, but….”
“No buts,” she interrupted. “You quit it right now,” she said with tears in her eyes.
She came to me and knelt in front of the chair and put her arms around me.
“Please,” she said.
“I’ll think about it, Kailey. Right now I’m too groggy from the pills. I just want to rest,” I said.
“Okay, you rest. I’ll be right over here if you need anything,” she said standing and moving back to her chair.
This was still awkward. Watching her walk around naked is not easy. She is so beautiful and loving. I hoped she would be a good mother.
We were watching an old detective movie on TV. The P.I. placed a hearing device in the suspect’s apartment. Kailey and I looked at each other.
I held my finger to my lips. She came over and whispered in my ear.
“Did you get all the bugs out of here?” she said.
“No,” I whispered back. “Be careful about what you say.”
“Okay.”
I couldn’t believe I had forgotten about the bug. With Bloodshot dead, though, who would be listening?
Kailey stood in front of me with her hands on her hips. She was giving me a pretty dirty look.
“Sorry,” I mouthed.
She moved toward me and placed a leg on each side of mine. She was now in the recliner and straddling me. She leaned forward and whispered again.
“Did you say anything that might have given someone a clue as to who you might be investigating?”
I thought. The only person I have talked to is Jack. I asked him to check on that list of people and to get Brian’s family’s information.
“Maybe,” I said.
“You should get that bug out of here, or use it to your advantage,” she said.
I nodded my head.
She hugged me. Her breasts were pressed to my face. I imagined Robin walking in.
She released me and moved back to the chair.
“Have you thought about giving up on the investigation yet?” she said aloud, for the benefit of the bug.
“Yes,” I said. “I decided to give it up as soon as I woke in the Hospital. It’s not really my problem. I just hope they find the guy who shot me.”
“Good,” Kailey said and smiled. “Now we just need to get you feeling better.”
“I already do,” I said. “You may leave. I don’t think I’ll be up much longer.”
“I can’t go,” she said. “How do you think I’d get out of here?”
I forgot. The FBI is outside the door. If she left they would have to tell Robin, she was here. They might even arrest her.
There was a knock at the door. Kailey jumped up and ran to the bedroom.
“Yes,” I said to the door.
It opened, and an FBI agent stuck his head in.
“Do y
ou need anything Cam?” he said.
“No thank you,” I said, “I’m fine. I’ll be going to bed in a few minutes.”
“Alright,” he said. “Someone will be out here all night. Just let us know if you need us.”
“I will. Thank you,” I said.
Kailey came back into the room and kissed me as she walked by.
“That was a close one,” she said.
Chapter 62
Robert met Chad at the Fort Meyers airport baggage claim.
“Have a good trip?” Robert said.
“Not bad, other than a quite huge man sitting next to me spilling onto my space. I’ve decided to fly first class going home,” Chad said.
“Good choice,” Robert said.
“I got a message while I was on the plane. Cam was shot this morning,” Chad said.
“Who shot him?”
“We don’t know.”
“Do you think it had anything to do with Bloodshot?” Robert said.
“Probably.”
“Is he okay?” Robert said.
“Yeah, sounds like it.”
Chad waited while Robert got the car and picked him up. They rode in silence until they maneuvered out of the airport.
“How’s the bid on the resort going?” Chad said.
“It was going good, but the new bidders want it pretty bad. I think we’ll have to up the ante,” he said.
“Don’t get caught in a bidding war. You’ll end up overpaying and never make your money back.”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t think it really matters anyway. Now with William Arlington dead, I don’t have the money,” Robert said.
“You don’t have the money?”
“No, we never signed the final papers. Bad timing.”
“Alexis was going through the file and found yours. It said the money had been deposited into your account and if Bill died, the loan would be forgiven,” Chad said.
“Really? I guess that’s why you’re here then. To ask me if I killed Bill.”
“No. I know you didn’t kill anyone, but if the FBI sees that contract they’ll have some question,” Chad said.
“It will be easy enough to prove,” Robert said. “Just check my accounts. You won’t find more than three-hundred-thousand in there.”