"Yes. Darlene at the police station highly recommended his show to Ray Kahoalani," I said as I got back into the car.
"I'm sure Detective Ray hurried over to buy tickets," he said as he started the engine.
"Garrett came in very handy with his Southern accent and fatherly shoulder to cry on for Martha. Elliott landed in the pool, so someone helped him out and down to the beach. It brings others into the situation," I said as a reminder that he had never explained the friction between him and Angie.
"Possibly, and Garrett did help shed a light on the Lawler household." Liam continued after an exhale. "Angie moved here two years ago after a messy divorce. She was forced to sell her home and empty her savings to rid herself of her lout of a husband. We had dinner a few times, and she decided I was the balm for her broken heart. I disagreed and still believe she can do better than me. Words were exchanged, accusations made, tears flowed, and my face was slapped. I've kept my distance as she regains her footing and law practice. I consider the subject closed, but I don't deny there are bruised feelings."
As he spoke, his stare never left the road. I could see Angie's point. Liam made me feel better about my life as I sat on the rock bottom. Also, Liam was allowed to choose his own gal pal. I was just glad it was me. For now.
Since he was in a talkative mood, I'd try to solve another mystery.
"Are you a contract worker for the police department?" I asked.
"If a case strikes my fancy, I'll lend a hand."
"You're not a fan of authority," I said as he pulled into the police station's parking lot.
"Only when I'm in charge and giving the directives. Will you join me or wait in the car?"
What were a few felonies amongst friends? Or misdemeanors? Or crimes of passion? I hoped I would get a lenient female judge who loved a funny story.
Your Honor, have you ever been in love and planned to marry the biggest mistake of your life? You have? Me too.
Liam opened my door and took my hand.
"What do you think of Kauai so far?" Liam asked after he drained his coffee cup and pitched it into a trash can.
"I thought I'd spend more time on the beach soaking up death rays from the sun. This is my third or fiftieth trip to the police station, more than the rest of my life combined," I said as I dropped my cup into the same can.
I turned in to him and caught his gaze. It was predatory and sweet at the same time. He leaned in and kissed me full on the mouth. I agree making out by the garbage bins in a police station's parking lot during a death investigation defied all good taste and decorum. But don't knock it until you'd been invited to try it.
"Kauai has a beauty and charm all its own. When this is over, I promise you'll be making circles in the sand with your toes. I prefer the beach in the moonlight," he said as he settled his arm around my waist.
It did remove the telltale sunscreen smell, and a moon tan left a body even more relaxed. He meant sex, right? If I was wrong, I planned to blame all the lava flow under my feet.
He opened the door, and we strolled in. A man behind a counter waved us through to a conference room. A large television was attached to the wall. We sat at the table, and the same man came in with a paper for Liam to sign. Liam scribbled both of our names on it. The man collected the paper and set down a remote.
"Please dim the lights and close the door," Liam said as the man turned to leave.
Liam settled back in the chair and clicked on the set. It was a direct feed from Silas's interrogation room, with Detective Ray asking the questions. A young man in a suit sat next to Silas. The pained look on his face either meant this was his first case or he had no defense to offer against Silas's sins.
"Detective, you have all you need on me. I suggest we call it a night," Silas said.
"Mr. Morton, those are past deeds. I'm concerned about the present," Detective Ray said as he handed Silas Martha's picture again.
"These little phone cameras are priceless. Everybody wants to take pictures but not star in them. I snap pictures all the time and threaten to post them. You would be astonished how many people don't want proof of their whereabouts on the internet," Silas said as he shifted Martha's picture back to the detective.
"Do you know her?"
"Her dad's a holier-than-thou type in Washington DC, and his wife is in Congress. They have deep pockets and concern about appearances. Perfect combination for me."
"Why would they pay you to conceal this picture?"
"She screamed and yelled about an accident. She wasn't making much sense."
"Did you investigate the cause of her distress?"
"When I looked, a drenched guy was laying on the side of the pool, his legs dangling in the water."
"Was this the man?" Detective Ray asked as he produced a different picture.
It had to be of Elliott's dead face. I looked away as Liam held my hand. A mix of sadness and anger came over me.
"Two people were present at the time of the accident, and neither made any attempt to save another human being's life," I said in disbelief.
"Nobody wants to get involved. Silas has more of an excuse than Martha. He's a wanted man," Liam said still riveted to the screen.
"Yes," Silas said as he rubbed his chin.
"Did you offer any assistance?" Detective Ray asked.
"I heard footsteps and decided to leave it to somebody else. I don't offer my services for free."
"Are your services blackmail or drug dealing?"
"Depends on the direction of the wind and who pays more. Dominick excelled at both."
He and Elliott went way back.
"You knew the victim in Ohio? You must also remember Dominick Carroll died there."
"I heard he recovered."
"No resurrection this time. Why did you kill him?" Detective Ray asked.
"Funny thing about Death, it claims souls at random with no blame. It was just her time, or it could happen to anyone in an instant. Dominick died at his peak. No one could touch him, even though he had the cops and other gangs after him. He overpaid enough of the right people to keep himself safe. He made money so fast that he needed to rent a storage locker to stash it in. That's how I knew he was still alive. The locker was empty, and his van was gone. I didn't kill him then, and I wouldn't have killed him now. When I left the pool, Dominick was alive."
"Honor amongst thieves?"
"He always delivered on time with no questions asked. He was a model employee. Personally, I think the redhead knows more than she's letting on," Silas said.
"That's what he said about Martha. Does he get to run around and point his finger at any woman in the vicinity?" I asked.
"You're available, and Silas may think you know more about Elliott's actual profession," Liam said.
"Which was what? I have no shred of knowledge about the real Elliott. I wish someone would let me in on the secrets."
"For now, I believe it's safer for you to be in the dark," Liam said as he turned up the television.
"Did you meet with Elliott in Hawaii?" Detective Ray asked Silas.
"No, but some people are in the wrong place at the right time. The redhead has already hooked up with a new protector. She is the key to this case," Silas said with an unnerving smile on his face.
"He killed Elliott and is trying to pin it on me," I said as I stood.
"Hush. Let Detective Ray lead Silas to his doom. When the accused wants to talk, let him. It helps tighten the noose," Liam said as he led me back to my chair.
I sat and folded my arms across my chest.
"I'm sure she would disagree with you," Detective Ray said as he sat down.
"Did she marry Dominick?" Silas asked in a softer voice.
"No, he died before the nuptials. They had planned a wedding through the Aloha Lagoon Resort," Detective Ray said.
My jaw dropped, and Liam laughed out loud.
"Ray is the man," he exclaimed.
"But that's a lie."
"Technically, it's
a stretch of the timeline. You planned to be married within those twenty-four hours. It gives you standing as the fiancée instead of the jilted bride. If Silas liked Elliott, he might clear your name by admitting a tad too many details about the crime scene," Liam said as he leaned forward to watch.
"I wonder if Elliott ever planned to tell her about his past life," Detective Ray said.
"Lives. Detective, identity is fluid. If Smythe-Wilkes suited him, I'm sure he would have kept it."
"And passed it on to his children," Detective Ray asked.
"Yes, I suppose so," Silas said as he stared at his hands.
"Silas, what happened between you two? Were you his mentor or confidant or rival? Couldn't you stop the forces that tried to kill Dominick in Ohio? If he needed to stage his own death, he must have been scared of someone."
"He stepped over the line," Silas said, shaking his head.
"Squealing or skimming?" Detective Ray asked.
"I let the crimes die with the man. He's atoning for all now," Silas said as he rubbed his hands together.
"And now in for the kill," Liam said enthusiastically.
I stared at the screen trying to figure out what had changed.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Detective Ray said quietly.
"Thank you," Silas said as he sat up and met Detective Ray's stare. "Dominick Carroll was my son, and I'm offering a fifty-thousand-dollar reward to whoever finds his killer."
"Bravo," Liam said as he applauded. "Flawless performance."
Say what? Say who?
"Elliott told me he was an orphan," I said to myself.
"Pardon me, but your ill-gotten gains are ineligible for a payout, and we have no proof Dominick is your child," Detective Ray said.
"I was gainfully employed by SIGER Industrial for ten years. I have legitimate money in the bank and will take a paternity test to match my DNA with Dominick's remains," Silas said with a hint of pride.
SIGER Industrial was familiar to me. It was a pharmaceutical company and had been a big contributor to Deborah's reelection campaign. George had resigned as a board member of the company after Deborah's first win. Around the same time, he founded his think tank. Did he retain his SIGER stock? Did he know Silas? There was too much crossbreeding between corporate, political, and dirty monies.
"Dominick's mother identified his dead body," Detective Ray said, holding up a folder.
"Based on what she saw. There are many holes in that case—namely, his wallet was untouched. Kids don't torch a body until all valuables are stripped," Silas said.
"Is this Robbery 101?" Detective Ray asked.
"More like a master's class. Rhonda, his mother, got paid to say Dominick was dead."
"By who?" Detective Ray asked.
"Whichever interest it served. Dominick made friends and enemies," Silas said.
"Was Rhonda your wife?"
"No. I believe monogamy is open to interpretation. Rhonda was one of my many doe-eyed willing participants."
"So Dominick has siblings?" Detective Ray asked as he took a few notes.
"To my knowledge, a half sister and three half brothers."
"Any more involved in the family business?"
"I don't know," Silas said with a smile.
It was nice of Silas to keep track of his youthful pollinations. Did any of them know about Elliott?
I'd received an email from work stating that Deborah was in Idaho with a sick friend. I guessed my official firing hadn't made it to Washington DC yet. It also meant I still had access to campaign files and donor lists.
"Detective, my client has answered all of your questions, and unless you're charging him with a crime, Mr. Ridgemoor should be released," the suited man said.
Both Silas and Detective Ray laughed.
"Sonny, I almost forgot you were here," Silas said as he patted the man's back.
"Clayton, is it?" Detective Ray asked as he consulted his paperwork. The young, suited man nodded. "Your client is wanted by the FBI and several local, county, and state law enforcement agencies across the United States. He's been on and off the run for thirty plus years. I'll release him into federal custody in the morning. Thank you for your input."
One of the officers opened the door, and Detective Ray led Silas out into the hall.
I sat dumbfounded. If someone told me the sky was pink, I'd believe him. So much had been turned upside down.
"Murders cast a long shadow. You never know how many people are hiding in it until you flood the place with light. It's rarely just the act. Many other factors contribute to it," Liam said.
"Did Silas hire Phillip X. Clark?" I asked.
"No. Silas checked into the Blue Island the day before Elliott arrived. He and Elliott were supposed to meet, or maybe they did. Also, Phillip was hired to find Martha, so my money's on George," Liam said.
"Do you believe anything Silas said?"
"Yes. He's offering a reward for the capture of his son's killer. He seemed sad and pissed. Good help is hard to find."
"George Lawler was a SIGER Industrial board member before Deborah ran for Congress. I may still have access to her donor lists and files," I said, proud to be in the know for once.
"That's an interesting thread to pull," Liam said as he stood.
There was a knock on the door, and Detective Ray walked in.
"How did I do?" he asked.
"Outstanding," Liam said as he extended his hand.
"It's quite a feather in my cap to catch an infamous criminal. Thank you for your assistance, Simone," Detective Ray said, shaking Liam's hand.
"You're welcome, but you still haven't solved Elliott's murder."
I didn't mean to accuse him of failing, but all the new insights into Elliott's life jarred me.
"True, but it's the top priority. Tourism is the lifeblood of Kauai. We're getting pressure from all sides. I promise I won't let you down," Detective Ray said as he shook my hand and left.
"I have to get some sleep," Liam said as he stretched.
And I had files to check. My work password gave me access to the donor lists and targeted corporate interests. How far back did they go? Was Silas living under an alias then or his own name?
We made our way out the door, and Liam seemed to be riding the high of capturing Silas. He retraced the questions Detective Ray had asked to me and analyzed Silas's answers. He must have known a lot about criminals and their methods.
I had so many questions about Liam's relationship with the police department. Was I an assignment? Had he helped clear my name? Had I been investigated? I rarely attracted gorgeous, intelligent men, yet I had all of Liam's attention. Didn't he have a girlfriend or twenty?
We arrived at his house.
"I have to get some sleep. You're welcome to join me or stretch out anywhere you want," Liam said as he headed toward the bedroom.
I yawned, lay back on the couch, and waited for a telltale snore. I owed myself the semblance of competence. I planned to contribute to this murder investigation. Not knowing what happened held me back. The nightmare of Elliott being left to die by his father and girlfriend rattled me. I was a better person than both of them combined, but I got dumped.
I heard Liam's deep breathing, got up, and went to work. I sat at his desk and fired up my laptop. I may be on vacation, but Deborah demanded full access to her staff. Honeymoon or hospital stay be damned, this was politics. Would I be zapped for trying to break in to Congresswoman A. Deborah Niven's confidential files? There was only one way to find out if a fool rushed in where no one in her right mind would dare to enter.
I typed in my email and password and hit Enter. I held my breath as I waited for clearance or the firewall police. No problems, so I began to dig. I found ten years' worth of donor lists, saved and alphabetized them, and started at the beginning. Silas lived under various names, so I had to go with my gut instinct. If he was smart, he would use a woman's name, but then I'd never find him.
Stay dumb, Silas. Make this
easy for me.
I read until my eyeballs ran red and dry. I had ten possible names out of hundreds. If I came up empty, I'd try again.
I heard Liam's alarm go off. Time to make the scones.
I saved my unusual suspects list, shut down the laptop, and scurried over to the couch. I snuggled down with my pillow and closed my eyes.
"Hey, Sleeping Beauty," Liam said as he knelt down beside the couch.
I opened my eyes and realized I had slept for fifteen minutes.
"Hi," I said in the middle of a yawn.
"Why don't you sleep in for a few hours, and I'll see you around seven," he said.
"Perfect. I mean, thank you," I said with a smile.
"Should I reset the alarm?"
"No, I'll use my phone," I said as I picked it up.
He kissed my cheek and left. I set the alarm for a half hour and fell into a deep sleep. I shouldn't have bothered though because Elliott's screams for help echoed through my nightmare. My phone beeped, and I grabbed it like a lifesaver in a storm. I took a quick shower, ate a day-old scone, and got back to work.
My list of the possible yielded nothing. I cross-checked each name to the internet, and pretty pictures of all appeared. None were Silas Morton, aka Silas Ridgemoor, aka I hated my life. I tucked my laptop into the bottom shelf of the living room coffee table.
At six-thirty, I followed the hotel scone brigade into the bakery.
"We brought a package for you. It was delivered to the hotel," one worker said to me.
He pointed to a box on the counter. I strolled over to look at it. It was addressed to Mrs. Simone Ryan Smythe-Wilkes. Only Elliott knew about our plan to marry and honeymoon at the Aloha Lagoon Resort. Was he going to marry me or steal this box while he had Martha pretend to be me in Hawaii? Every day I hated him more. I bet the box contained drugs or laundered money or a chip and dip tray as a gag wedding gift.
"Thank you," I said to the man.
I walked to my station and started loading the baskets. We didn't speak. Liam loaded the trays with dough. I unloaded them to cool.
Roll. Rinse. Repeat.
The time dragged by. Finally, we cleaned up the bakery, and Liam carried the box to his house. He set it reverently on the kitchen table.
Deadly Bubbles in the Wine (Aloha Lagoon Mysteries Book 4) Page 13