Ethics of a Thief

  As the Coast Guard cutter pulled up to its designated slot, Dryer noticed three FBI special agents standing in wait. Special Agent Ned Parker came on board the Coast Guard cutter with his tan face and white forehead. The man was five feet, eight inches, and weighed around a hundred and seventy pounds.

  After Dryer greeted him and had a proper introduction, Dryer asked, “Do you play golf?”

  “Yes. Why? It’s my favorite pastime since my family moved up north.”

  “Do you have a handicap?

  “Yes, but nothing to brag about,” said Parker. “Enough about me, we’re told two dead bodies are on the yacht.”

  “That’s right, the owners, Larry and Sandra Kilgore. Both were shot and killed.”

  “Have any suspects?”

  “Yes. Three men need further investigation. Two are on the yacht.”

  “Do you have names and phone numbers?”

  “Yes. The men on the yacht are Matthew Willingham and Jack Oliver.”

  “What makes them suspects?”

  “Matt’s the ringleader of three men, and Jack is a close friend. Captain Anthony Forelli fled after he heard us hailing them -- making him also a suspect. In addition, Miss Wilson indicated that Matt and his cronies were searching for some valuable object. Also, we discovered that four of the men work for the same company, with the exception of Jack Oliver, who is a business owner.”

  “What company do the men work for?”

  “Let’s see.” Dryer opened his folder. “It’s in here,” he said. “Yes, it’s the T.D. Corporation.” He handed a copy of the report to the special agent. “This is for your records.”

  “Good. That’s helpful, it’ll save time.” While thumbing through it, he pivoted when he saw Special Agent Mitch Vorty. After greeting him, he introduced Dryer.

  Parker said, “Vorty, you’ll be questioning the woman and children on this vessel while I’ll be on the yacht.”

  Turning to Dryer, he said, “Thanks again, your men were quite helpful. Can you do something else for me? Will you introduce Special Agent Vorty to Miss Wilson?”

  “Consider it done.” The men shook hands, and Parker was on his way.

  While walking toward the lounge, they saw the yacht pulling into the FBI slot. Dryer said, “That didn’t take long.” When they reached the lounge, he opened the hatch and saw Abigail and Lisa asleep. He said, “I’ll go get the boy.”

  Instantly, Lisa and Abigail opened their eyes and became aware of their surroundings. Once they seemed alert, Dryer introduced them and said, “Special Agent Vorty needs to talk to you alone. Can I take Lisa with me?”

  She nodded.

  Dryer turned and said, “Young lady, want some hot chocolate?”

  “Sure.” When the girl came closer, he reached for her hand.

  “Miss Wilson, once again, my name’s Special Agent Vorty. I’m with the FBI. I need to get an official statement from you.”

  She glanced at him. “First, I prefer being called Abigail, and second, I need a drink and to use the ladies’ room, is that all right?”

  “I understand.” He stood, while she left the cabin. While alone, Vorty opened the report Dryer gave him. Abigail returned with a bottle of water. She handed one to him.

  He remained standing until she was seated and thanked her. “Can I get the correct spelling of your full name?”

  She reached for her purse, thumbed through her wallet, pulled out a card and handed it to him.

  After examining it, he placed it in his pocket.

  “Please tell me everything you can remember and let me decide what’s important and what’s not, understand?”

  She nodded and leaned forward. Her elbows rested on her knees with her fingers intertwined. She recounted the events, starting with running into the Kilgores at the restaurant and ending with being on the Coast Guard cutter. Vorty stopped her a few times to review his notes. Once the interview was completed, she stood, looked out the porthole and sat again with both hands on the seat as she stretched.

  “Who murdered them?” he asked.

  After crossing her legs and looking down, she said, “I told Officer Dryer. I don’t know.”

  “Miss Wilson, I’m here to help you remember. Each time you repeat your story, you’ll recall more details. So, please, don’t get annoyed with the same questions by different investigators. It’s done intentionally, and it’s difficult, we know that, but we need to ask.”

  “I see. Maybe Jack did it, but I don’t have evidence, I don’t like or trust the man, that’s all. Or, it could be Captain Forelli; he was very secretive.”

  “Abigail. Did you murder them?”

  Instantly, her cheeks flushed, and she turned away while tears fell.

  “I need an answer. Did you kill them, Miss Wilson?”

  Tearfully, she glanced at him. She slowly said, “I do feel responsible. They would be alive, if it wasn’t for us.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They planned on staying ashore, until we ran into them. But, because they were kind enough to ask us to stay overnight at sea, they’re dead. If I had said no, they would still be alive right now.”

  “Did you murder the Kilgores, Miss Wilson?”

  Slowly, she shook her head. “But, I feel indirectly responsible.” Once she sat straight, she became more focused. She stared into his eyes. “No. I did not kill them. They were family friends.”

  Special Agent Vorty reached over and patted her hand. “We’ll find their killer, okay?”

  She nodded. “I hope so, will you notify us?”

  “Yes. I’ll phone you. That’s a promise.” They sat in silence for some time. Then, he said, “That’s all for now. Can you please arrange for the lad to come?”

  “Yes. Of course.” When she stood, so did he. She smiled and touched his arm as she passed him to fetch Danny.

  Special Agents Parker and Morris quickly gained access to the yacht. Morris tapped his fingernails on his teeth while Parker grimaced at his gross nervous habit. After entering the main level, Parker thanked the Coast Guard officers and asked them to return to the cutter.

  While interviewing Matt and the others, he asked, “Have any of you been to the crime scene?”

  Matt stepped forward. “Yes. I found their bodies.”

  Parker instructed Morris to interview Jack, Robert and Brent separately. He turned to Matt. “Where’s a good place for privacy?”

  “Maybe the library. Come, I’ll show you.” Once they arrived, Parker leaned his backside on the desk.

  “Please be seated, Mr. Willingham.”

  “Call me Matt.”

  “Matt. Why is it you and your men were on this yacht?”

  “Captain Forelli asked us. He said it was a new yacht, and he wanted help.”

  “Miss Wilson said you and your men were searching for something, what might that be?”

  “What?”

  “You heard me.”

  “Oh. You mean some mysterious object?”

  “Yes.”

  As he sat, Matt’s shoulders slumped and his chin lowered. “There were rumors that the Kilgores smuggled some valuable object, and it was hidden on the yacht. We were curious, so we decided to search.”

  “Did you find it?”

  “No. It must have been just a rumor.”

  “Why didn’t you report the murders immediately?”

  “I wanted to find the killer. I didn’t want to be accused.”

  “But, was it you?”

  “I’m no killer! I don’t believe in, or own, guns…they’re too dangerous.”

  “It was you who found them dead, right?”

  “Yes. That’s true. The only person capable of murder is Captain Forelli, but he came after I found their bodies.”

  “Are you sure Forelli arrived later?”

  “Yes. Robert and Brent went directly to the wheelhouse, he wasn’t there.”

  “Tell me the relationship between you and the captain?”

  “We work
ed for the same firm.”

  “What’s your relationship with Jack Oliver?”

  “We’re childhood friends. I asked him to join me. I wanted him to be on the water on a beautiful yacht. But, look how that turned out.”

  “Did the Kilgores invite you to board their vessel?”

  “No. I told you, Forelli did.”

  “Who do you think is the killer?”

  “None of us had a motive. We didn’t even know they were going to be on the yacht.”

  “You had motive. The valuable object is the motive.”

  “We didn’t know what it was and still don’t. So, why would we kill for some unknown object? In addition, Forelli said they were staying ashore. And, he neglected to inform us of the plan change. But, he had to know; Mr. Kilgore must have given him the course chart. We were shocked to see a woman and kids, let alone two dead people.”

  “Where did you find their bodies?”

  “On the lower level, in the master suite, do you want me to show you?”

  “Yes.” Parker and Matt headed for the ladder. Once on the lower level, they walked toward the master suite. Parker was literally breathing down his neck. Matt started to open the hatch, but hesitated and left it partially open.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “I can’t go in there. It’s too creepy.” He backed up into the passageway.

  “Stay there,” Parker said, as he proceeded. When he saw the bodies, he was taken aback. He took his camera and photographed the crime scene from all angles. “Where are the damn crime-scene investigators when you need them?” he muttered. “Has anyone touched the bodies?” he asked Matt.

  “No, absolutely not. Even when Abigail and I were in here, we didn’t enter much past the hatch, and the men wouldn’t come near here.”

  “Thank you, Matt; please return to the others, I’ll be up shortly.” Parker pulled out a small pad and wrote, “Future investigation is needed: Matt seemed to feel too guilty to return to the crime scene. Also, speak with Forelli and the owners of T.D. Corporation.”

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Once Abigail and the children were told by the FBI agent that they were free to go, they headed for the gate. She was concerned about Matt and his men, but, at that moment, she was too exhausted to care.

  After picking up their personal belongings, they walked to the end of the federal property line. She saw Steven and Carry waiting for them. “How did you know we would be here?”

  “The Coast Guard kept me posted,” Steven said. “Come here.” He extended his arms to give a big hug. Danny and Lisa joined in.

  “What made you contact them?” she asked.

  “Your cellphone, it was on your front seat overnight, so I knew something was up. You’re never without it.” Steven picked up her traveling bags.

  “You never go off without telling us,” Carry said.

  While walking to the car, Steven said to the children, “I bet you’re hungry.”

  Danny grinned and nodded enthusiastically.

  Lisa grabbed her uncle’s arm. “Can we go to McDonald’s?”

  “No way,” Danny yelled. “Any place but there, let’s go to Rubio’s.” The adults expressed amusement at their negotiating skills.

  They reached the car. Steven knelt down to Lisa. “I was thinking about the Harbor House, at Seaport Village.” He stood and turned to his sister. “How does that sound?”

  “Sounds good to me, isn’t that nice of your uncle?”

  When they reached his car, Steven drove them to the parking lot at the yacht club. Once they arrived, they got out and headed for Abigail’s car. After placing the luggage in her truck, the adults discussed who would ride in which car. The children made the choice for them. Lisa asked, “Can we ride in your new car, Uncle Steven?”

  “Sure. That’s fine.” After saying goodbye to the women, they returned to his car.

  Once alone, Abigail and Carry hugged. “I’m glad we’re together. Boy, do I need a friend.”

  “I’ll drive,” Carry said.

  “That would be great.”

  Once Carry was behind the wheel, she pulled away and started questioning Abigail. “Were you forced to leave?”

  “No. Nothing like that.”

  “What happened? Why no calls? Do you know how concerned we were?”

  “Everything happened too fast, so I forgot my stupid phone, and we couldn’t find one on the yacht.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “No, Carry, I’m not. I just went though the most horrific ordeal of my life. Someone murdered the Kilgores.”

  “I know. We heard. Who did it?”

  “We don’t know yet. They’re still investigating.”

  “It had to be one of those men.”

  “It’s possible, but not likely.”

  “Well, it had to be one of them, who else?” Carry’s tone was spiced with sarcasm.

  “Frankly, I don’t know. It’s also possible someone came, murdered them and left.”

  Carry reached over to touch Abigail’s arm. “You’re right about the FBI agents. They’re trained professionals. Let them figure things out.”

  “I’ll tell you one thing. Not knowing was nerve-racking.”

  “Steven and I were so worried about you guys.”

  “I’m concerned about him, Carry, he looks exhausted. Is he okay?”

  “Yes, now that you’re safely home, he’ll be fine.” She looked ahead. “Stan called. He wants you and the kids to come for dinner.”

  “That sounds wonderful, perhaps next weekend, when we get back to a routine. Tell him thanks for the invite.”

  “Sure.”

  Abigail spotted a space not far from the restaurant. After parking, they held hands, while strolling toward the entrance. They said, “What a beautiful day,” in unison and chuckled at the coincidence. Hugging each other, Abigail said, “It looks like we still think alike.”

  “Hi Steven, did Danny and Lisa behave themselves?” she said, lightheartedly.

  “Those two, they’re a handful,” he said, while winking at his sister.

  “Ask for a window seat, will you?”

  The hostess greeted them and showed them to a booth by a window.

  “This is pleasant, thank you, Steven,” Abigail said, with a warm smile.

  Once seated, Lisa and Danny stared out the window at a mime doing his routine.

  The waiter approached the table and silently waited until Steven looked up. He then handed each of them two menus, one for specials and one with daily offerings.

  “I’m Vince. I’ll be your waiter.”

  When he said, “I’m Steven, I’ll be your customer,” Vince wasn’t amused.

  “I’ll return to take your orders.”

  When he came back, he said, “Is your party ready to order, sir?”

  The women ordered wine, the children asked for chocolate malts, and Steven ordered iced tea.

  “Give us a few more minutes for our food orders.” The man backed away, circled and headed to leave.

  Steven asked the children what looked good to them. They both asked for hamburgers and fries.

  Once again, Vince returned. “Ready, sir?”

  Steven placed the order for the children and himself, the women requested specialty salads.

  Vince backed up and turned to leave. Steven whispered, “He walks as if he has a stick up his ass.”

  When Danny laughed, Lisa elbowed her brother. Steven said, “I wonder if he’s trained to be like that or if it comes naturally?”

  “What do you mean?” Danny asked.

  “That waiter, he’s so formal. This is a nice restaurant, but that guy needs to relax a little.”

  “Guess what, Uncle Steve? I found an egg; it was worth lots of money.”

  “Where?”

  “In the library, on the yacht.”

  “So, it belongs to the Kilgores, right?” Steven’s cellphone rang. When he answered, it was FBI Special Agent Parker wanting to speak with Abiga
il. “I tried your sister’s cellphone, but no one answered.”

  “She’s with me, we’re having lunch. I’ll put her on.”

  After speaking to the agent, she handed the phone back to Steven. “I need to check with them before leaving town. They might have questions.”

  “Haven’t you been through enough?”

  “But, Steven, you don’t understand. I want to help. I need to know who did it.”

  The waiter reached over Abigail’s shoulder to place food in front of Lisa and Danny. He left and then returned with salads for the women. “I’ll be back with your meal, sir.”

  Abigail picked at her salad. She was thinking about Larry and Sandra’s dead bodies lying on their bed. And, about Matt and how he did when he was interrogated.

  During the meal, the conversation was light. When they finished eating, Steven paid the bill, and they walked out to Abigail’s car. “I’ll take the kids,” he said. “I’ll follow you home.”

  “Can we go on the merry-go-round?” Lisa asked.

  “No, not today, Honey, I need to take you back to your aunt’s.” The child didn’t argue or pout. After the women were in their car and drove off, he walked the children to his car.

  During the drive home, Abigail and Carry kept the conversation light. “The first thing I want when I get home is…”

  Carry grinned. “I know, you want a nice long bath, with lit candles all around, and a glass of wine.”

  Abigail laughed. “You know me too well.” She turned down the volume on the radio. “I can’t express how exhausted I feel.”

  “You three have been through a lot.”

  “Yep, but they’re more resilient.”

  “They’re children. They depend on you. But, you have all the responsibility, so, of course, it was mentally and emotionally harder on you.”

  “Remember the last time we spoke?” Abigail asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I often wished we had made dinner plans for that night. I would have said no to their invitation, and they would still be alive.”

  “My dear friend, there’s nothing you can do to turn back the clock. And, I know you. You’re blaming yourself, aren’t you?”

  “I hate you,” Abigail said, while giving her friend a push and a smile.

  The minute they reached the house, they went inside and opened the windows. The breeze was warm, but the fresh air was pleasant as it flowed through the house. Abigail opened a bottle of wine, poured a glass and told Carry to help herself. Then she excused herself and went to draw a bath.