by Liz Eagle
“That is kind of you to say,” Joe said, “but it is truly a joint effort with Lil. She handles the sides and I grill the main course. I could not do it without her.”
“Well, I understand she has been all too consumed with the documents she found in the boxes,” Judge Stone said. “I fail to see how the transfer of those boxes to Lil could be viewed as anything good. Why would her father have put this on her? Poor thing. I have really felt bad for her. But, she is a strong girl and has been a trooper in handling all this.”
“Thank you, Judge,” Joe said. “It is true. This whole thing has consumed her, and she is so worried that the next page will reveal something more dreadful than the last. It’s like picking out one snake at a time from a cardboard box and just waiting for the one that will bite. But, yes, she is strong, and I believe that with your help and support it will all work out. If I have not already, I want to thank you so much for your assistance and reassurance. I know she would be lost without your input and help with things she could not do herself.” Joe was being totally honest; he had a true respect for the judge, his job, and the way he treated officers like Lil.
“Well, as soon as the girls get back, we can discuss more and see what we can come up with,” Judge Stone said.
Lil really delivered on dessert, she served up a tiramisu cheesecake she had discovered at a small Italian restaurant in Boone, N.C. She saved it in the freezer and thawed it for just this special occasion. They enjoyed coffee and cheesecake and started the much-dreaded discussion.
“Did Lil tell you that someone tried to kill us while we were at the beach last week?” Joe asked, deciding he would just jump in there with what he knew. He described that horrible event. Judge Stone and his wife were genuinely shocked. It was no laughing matter for someone to attempt to kill a federal officer and the judge did not make a single movement during the description of the events.
“What? Are you being serious, Joe? This is horrible. Lil, are you both alright? Have they found the person with the New York license plate?” the judge asked. “We need to get federal law enforcement involved. I will make a call to the Marshal’s Service before I leave here tonight.
“No, judge that is not necessary, please wait. I really do not feel that we are in harm’s way here in our home. They have no way of knowing where we live.” Lil said, “the officers have kept in touch and are still looking into it.” She went on to explain her foolish idea about contacting the surgeon’s daughter the week before asking about her father and his connection to the two victims. Lil also admitted having inadvertently invited her to visit the beach, thus disclosing their whereabouts for their trip that weekend.
“I take full responsibility,” she said. “It was so stupid of me to do that. I have not laid eyes on her in so long. I should have been more careful. She could have turned out to be a mass murderer…well, we think she did try to kill all of us, after all.” Lil was trying to make light of a very serious event.
“It is not something you should dwell on,” Judge Stone said. “It was not you who plotted and planned to drive all that way and then take the shot. By the way, how did you get the idea to contact her anyway?”
“It was actually something Joe had said that got me thinking. I realized that all the parties who could possibly be involved in this whole event back then were dead, except the two of us. I thought I would reach out to her to find out if she knew anything that could help us figure this whole thing out. Her father died not too long ago, and she is the only one left who might give us a hand. I just got so excited and thought that this may be the break we needed that I just did not think.” Lil said. “The good news is that I believe she is an attorney somewhere. I am sure it will not be too difficult to find her
“Have you tried looking at this from her point of view?” Judge Stone said. “I mean, if she is the one who took the shot at you both.”
“What do you mean, Judge?” Joe inquired.
“Well, if she was the one,” Judge Stone said, “you said she could have tracked you down. That may have been easier since you gave her all the information she needed to get to your beach house. But why? Why would she do something like that? What could have motivated her to make such a drastic move? Those are the questions we should be asking ourselves.”
“Those seem like perfectly good questions to ask, my dear,” Judge Stone’s wife interjected, looking at Lil.
“I see,” Lil said, “but unless she had wanted to stop me from finding out something ... she would have no reason to fear me. I just don’t get it. You think she knows something about her father, like he was involved and somehow believes that I know the same thing? Do you suppose her dad revealed something to her before he died?” Lil paused, pondering her questions silently.
“Perhaps,” Judge Stone said. “Stranger things have happened to folks who know they are on death’s doorstep and want to confess their sins. But, again, I emphasize if. If she was the one to take the shot at you, her motive could have simply been to kill you, so it would appear to me that you would then be prevented from disclosing what you had learned about the murders to anyone else. Or, on the other hand, it could have been an intentional miss meant as a warning for you not to dig any deeper.” Judge Stone sat back as he was thinking. He was actually disappointed in the local law enforcement not finding the perpetrator more quickly. He knew he had the ability to do at least a little to help keep Officer Starling safe and made a note to follow through with it.
“Well, I am not exactly sure of her shooting ability,” Lil said, “but thankfully, she did miss and Joe’s quick reaction did not give her an opportunity to try again. Whatever the reason, I don’t know what to do now. What should we do, Judge?”
“I see no reason to do anything more until we hear something from the law enforcement officials in South Carolina,” Judge Stone said. “I would caution you not to contact her again, and if she should contact you, please let me know. I would prefer to stay on top of this if possible. In the meantime, please lock your doors and keep the house alarm on at all times, even when you two are here alone.”
After one more glass of wine, Lil and Joe politely bid their company goodbye. It was certainly a lot to think about and made it very difficult for Lil to sleep soundly.
The next day, Judge Stone summoned the U.S. Marshall in the courthouse to his chambers. He asked that a private detail, only one marshal, be assigned to Officer Lil Starling and her husband. The judge asked that this request be kept in the strictest confidence. Judge Stone explained the incident at the beach and, at this point, everyone was a suspect. He realized that he was taking a chance that the Marshals Service was not involved.
Chapter 46
Warsaw, New York
Gus stayed in his room looking over his notes. He needed to find a way to break the silence of Max and Gynnie. He believed they had to be the weaker link. Gus did not think he was a match for the other side of the family, the Chandlers, but he knew the time was growing near where he needed to take them on. They tried to poison his daughter.
He walked down the hall to Jacqueline’s room. “Hi, Jackie,” he said. “Can we talk about something?” He had an idea.
“Good morning, Dad,” Jacqueline said. “Sure, what can I do to help?”
“Well, I was thinking about this wine situation,” Gus said. “I think it is time that we had a sit-down with Phillip’s parents. Do you think you could arrange a dinner or something soon? Maybe you could do it on the pretense of announcing your engagement, perhaps. What do you think?”
“Sure, why of course, that is a wonderful idea,” Jacqueline replied. “I will begin work on it today.” She wondered if her father was up to something, but if it would help the cause of proving Phillip’s innocence, she was all for it.
Jacqueline and Phillip arranged for a dinner with the Chandlers the following evening. It was all settled. They would all meet at the Chandlers’ home and
the happy couple would announce their engagement to the two families. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for her father to finally meet her future in-laws. She was certain that the Chandler family was not involved in the murders. Were they strange? Yes, but certainly not murderers. She made a note to avoid the brandy if she was offered.
Gus and Jacqueline arrived for dinner at the Chandlers’ home promptly at 7 p.m. Louise took their coats and led them into the front room where Milton was pouring wine for everyone. Gus took a deep breath and reminded himself not to let his emotions get the best of him.
Milton looked discreetly at his wife, sighing before extending his hand to Gus. “I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Gaylord,” he said. “Welcome to our humble abode.” Milton was obviously not happy about this gathering but hoped he could use it as an opportunity to question this FBI agent about what he has learned about the murders so far.
Gus accepted his hand and gave it a firm shake. “Thank you, Milton, but please call me Gus. I appreciate the invitation to dine with you and your wife. You have quite a lovely home. How long have you lived here?” He was an expert in making small talk, if only to get the other person to feel more comfortable.
“Thank you,” Milton said. “Well, we have lived here in this house a long time. How long has it been, Louise?”
Louise had already consumed two glasses of wine before Jacqueline and Gus arrived. She was feeling uncomfortable in the presence of an FBI agent and hoped the wine would calm her down a little. She would be sure to call Gynnie after dinner and tell her how she admired her ability to stay calm around Gus. “Well, Phillip was born and raised in this home,” she said, “so at least that many years.”
Milton said, “Well, I have had an office in Warsaw since I graduated from law school and have been practicing law ever since. I am so looking forward to Phillip joining the firm soon.” He never missed an opportunity to brag about his law credentials, and he wanted this FBI agent to know how educated he was right off the bat.
Gus took the bait, but realized what Milton was doing. “Yes,” he said. “I was informed of such from your sister and brother-in-law.” This was a perfect segue to a discussion about the wine. He was just about to formulate a comment about the homemade wine when he was interrupted by Phillip.
Jacqueline had nudged Phillip, whispering in his ear. “I think it’s time for our announcement, don’t you?” she said. “Why don’t you stand up and make a toast.”
Phillip stood up next to Jacqueline right after Gus’ comment about his aunt and uncle. “Everyone,” he said. “Jacqueline and I have some news, and we wanted to take this time to announce it. She has accepted my hand in marriage. Jacqueline and I are to be married!” This was the shock that the Chandlers had expected, but they did their best to cover their displeasure.
“Oh, my, that is wonderful!” Louise said and sat back down in her chair, finishing her third glass of wine in one gulp. She began to look around for the bottle of brandy. Perhaps that would slow things down a tad.
“Well, that was quite unexpected, son,” Milton said, doing his best to act surprised, “especially in light of your upcoming bar exam. When are you planning to wed in the midst of all that?” Milton, however, did not even try to suppress his irritation.
Phillip ignored his comment and proceeded with a toast. “Well, we are excited,” he said, looking at Jacqueline. “Aren’t we darling?”
“Why, yes, of course we are,” Jacqueline said, glancing toward Phillip’s parents and standing up next to him. “Things are still in the preliminary stages, but I have given my notice to the seamstress in the city, and I am going to stay in Warsaw for the duration.” She gave Phillip a kiss on the cheek.
“I am happy for you both,” Gus said, raising his glass in the toast and drinking the wine.
“Well, then, I suppose it is settled,” Milton said, raising his glass and nudging Louise to do the same. Gus, Phillip and Jacqueline also finished their glasses of wine.
During dinner, their conversation revolved around the marriage proposal, but was dampened by the fact that the Chandlers had made it clear they were not pleased with Phillip’s selection for a mate. They tried to hide their feelings, but it was obvious.
Gus took the opportunity to rain on the parade somewhat and returned to the discussion of the homemade wine.
“By the way, I admire the way Max and Gynnie make their own wine,” he said. “I hope to make some wine myself someday. Max was very informative about what is involved in the process. Do you make any wine here at your home?’ Gus asked, wondering if their home was also involved.
“Why, no,” Milton said. “We leave that up to them. They just furnish us with all we could possibly need to consume,” Milton added as he cut the meat on his plate. This whole marriage news was making him angry that Phillip would do such a rash and impulsive thing. There are plenty of local girls to choose from in this town. He did not need to go outside the area to get a woman. He set his knife and fork down and looked directly at Gus. He decided not to beat around the bush any longer.
“I hear you are investigating something related to the town or Attica,” Milton said to Gus. “This is such a small town, and it is difficult to keep things under wraps here.” He had decided to just come right out and say it.
“What did you say, dear?” Louise asked, wanting to make sure she had heard correctly. She was already tipsy from the wine but did not want Milton to get out of line. Not that she had any control whatsoever.
“Yes, dear,” Milton said. “I just asked Gus if he was looking into anything having to do with Warsaw or Attica. I doubt he would be investigating any real cases that were decided by a jury and were considered to be airtight.” Milton glared obviously at Gus. “It seems like a waste of time to dig up any cases when the jury has spoken loud and clear.” He added.
“Well,” Gus responded in a frank manner. “Actually, I was initially assigned to investigate some complaints from the inmates at Attica Prison.”
Milton was growing uneasy about what was to follow from Gus, but he was prepared to make any defense he needed. “And … what did you determine from your investigation.
“I have preliminarily determined that I need additional information,” Gus said. “You see, the agency is now narrowing its scope, or attention, to one case in particular. Of course, it would be impermissible of me to discuss the details of an ongoing investigation. I am sure, Milton, as a practicing attorney that you, and Phillip, are keenly aware of that rule. Let’s just say that I will be in this area at least until the wedding.” He smiled, looking over at Jacqueline.
“I, for one, am glad you will be here at least until then,” Jacqueline said. “We are thinking about a beautiful fall wedding.” She smiled at her father and blew him a kiss from across the table.
Milton wanted more information about that one case, and he was determined to get it. “So, this one case you mentioned,” he asked Gus, “how do you think you can get more information about it by hanging around here?”
“Well, I can disclose that your brother-in-law will be of great help to me in that regard,” Gus said. “I have been asked by my supervisor to get some specifics on making homemade wine, wine just like we are consuming right now, actually.” Gus raised his glass and took a sip. He thought this would be enough to pique Milton’s interest.
“Max and Gynnie are certainly experts when it comes to that sort of thing,” Milton. “I hope they can help you, so you can put whatever that case is to rest once and for all.” He decided to change the subject since everyone had finished dinner. “How about if we go back into the front room for a glass of brandy?” he asked. “Louise, my dear, would you mind serving dessert in there?” She stood, nodded at Milton, and went into the kitchen.
Gus couldn’t hold it back any longer. He looked towards Milton. “Speaking of brandy, there is something I thought I might bring to your at
tention, Milton.” Gus spoke with caution, not knowing what might happen.
Milton narrowed his eyes. “And what might that be? You don’t like it?”
“No, no, I quite like brandy. No, it is just that, the last time Jacqueline was over here to dine with your family, she had about two sips of that blackberry brandy and then became quite ill. Very ill, as a matter of fact. So ill that I had to take her to the doctor, who then alerted me that she had ingested a chemical poison, one that I happen to know Max and Gynnie have in their basement.” He looked Milton straight in the eye. He could tell a dishonest man when he saw one. “Now, I am not trying to accuse you of anything, but, it certainly seems strange, and my daughter is the most precious thing in the world to me. I hope you understand why I must ask what you know about this.”
Milton was silent. After their last how’s your father? evening he had brought home new brandy from the latest batch and thrown out all of the remaining old brandy they had from Max and Gynnie. He hadn’t known at the time Jacqueline was over that the brandy was poison, but he couldn’t be sure about Louise. God damn that woman, how dare she put his reputation and his freedom on the line. “I am so sorry that that happened, but I am certain it could not have been the brandy. I was aware that Max had accidentally spilled some of the copper sulfate into a batch of brandy and a few random jars of wine, but I assure you Louise and I were extremely careful to throw all of that stuff out. I almost drank some myself.” Gus could see this was the end of the conversation. As they all proceeded to move into the front room, Jacqueline took her father aside. “I am not sure I want that brandy again. Would it be impolite of me if I asked just for wine?”
“Certainly not, Jackie. We will both have wine.”
“Well, your fishing expedition did not go very well, now did it? Are you satisfied?”
Gus put his finger to his lips to shush her and whispered as they walked, “You just wait. I have only set the trap and am waiting for the bear to take a bite. Sometimes these things take time, you see. Patience, my dear.”