by C. G. Prado
Could Baynes be the third party? If Baynes was the third party, things were much neater than otherwise. He was in computing, he’d known both McDermott and Kelsey first hand, and he would know how to send untraceable emails. Charlie thought that Baynes’ original story about Kelsey could have been a ploy. Jones no doubt had said something about Charlie looking into the case and Baynes would have quickly come up with a reason to meet Charlie to learn if he knew anything that threatened him. And in retrospect, what he’d learned from Baynes didn’t come to much.
Charlie went to the cafeteria for a sandwich and skipped going to the Club. The last thing he wanted was to find Baynes there. He did a bit of work and went home early. Over a glass of pinot noir he recounted to Kate what Jones had said and what he’d been thinking.
“Hummm. Now that does sound like a real break. I agree that Baynes was misleading you when he said he only spoken to McDermott a few times. And why would he want to mislead you except to distance himself from McDermott? I think what you have to do is find someone else who saw them together. You can’t just take Jones’ word against Baynes’ word. Do you know anyone else in computing?”
“No, but I think I know how to do it. It’ll just take a phone call, but I have to hurry since it’s close to five.”
Charlie called Mason Blake, hoping he was still in his office. He was.
“Mason, this is Charlie. I’m sorry to call late, but something’s come up and I need to ask you a question.”
“We’re talking a double sundae; I was just leaving.”
“Okay, okay. I need to ask if you know whether McDermott spoke much with Richard Baynes.”
“With Baynes? Well, I did see them together, both in Bayne’s office and a couple of times in the snack bar we have in the basement next to the computer store. Why is it important?”
“Will you keep it to yourself?”
“Are we talking another double sundae?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Okay.”
“It’s just that when Baynes told me some stuff about Kelsey, he also said he’d only spoken to McDermott a few times.”
“No, that’s not so. They may not have been big buddies, but I certainly saw them talking more than a few times.”
Charlie thanked Blake, reminding him to keep his confidence, and hung up. He told Kate what Blake had said and added that perhaps Baynes was just trying to avoid what was happening right now, namely, Charlie becoming suspicious but for no good reason.
“That could be. In any case, Charlie, the only thing you can do is to confront Baynes, and that might not be wise. I still think you should drop the whole thing.”
Charlie wasn’t happy about it, but he had no rejoinder. Kate was right. Confronting Baynes wasn’t a good idea, at least not without more to go on.
“Do you think I should call DeVries?”
“And tell her what? You don’t have enough. This discrepancy is like the coincidence of Sommers leaving and Giacomo’s money stopping. You’d only annoy her, Charlie.”
“I can’t just drop it. Baynes misled me.”
“Then risk asking him. But you might well regret it. If just by chance he is the third party, don’t forget that then he’s the one that had Giacomo shoot McDermott. Do you want him sending somebody after you? After us?”
“No; of course not. I certainly wouldn’t put you at risk. But there must be some way to follow up on this. I’m going to think about it. Let’s drop it now and go out for dinner. I owe you that for going on about this damn case.”
Kate didn’t argue with that proposal.
Chapter 35
The Last Weekend
Saturday morning Charlie slept late and the rare occurrence that resulted was that when he went to the kitchen for coffee and a muffin, Kate was already on her second cup.
Halfway through his first cup Charlie asked a possibly provocative question.
“You still think I shouldn’t call DeVries and tell her my suspicions?”
“To what end? Does DeVries even know who Baynes is?”
“I told her he’d given me some information on Kelsey. It’s just possible she did a little digging to check on the source of the info.”
“Charlie, you’re clutching at proverbial straws. I can’t see Baynes registering on DeVries’ radar.”
“No, you’re right. It’d be a waste of her time. It’s not as if I’ve something tangible to tell her. Okay, what are our plans for today?”
“Plenty of nothing. I don’t feel like going out. I’m going to unlax, as you would put it, and read. You can, too, after you do one small job.”
“Job? What job?”
“You have to clean the junk out of my computer; it’s been running slow. You do that and I’ll do something interesting about lunch.”
Charlie ran a couple of his favorite cleanup programs on Kate’s computer and was, once again, taken aback by the amount of useless junk he found and deleted. When he finished he thought some more about what had been on his mind while clearing out the computer. He decided to go ahead and called Baynes.
“Richard, this is Charlie. I wonder if we could have lunch somewhere tomorrow. I’d like to talk to you somewhere other than next week at the Club.”
There was a pause and Charlie was suddenly afraid Baynes wouldn’t meet him.
“Okay, Charlie; I can manage that. Where would you like to meet?”
“Your call, and it’s on me.”
“There’s a small bar and grill not far from the University. It’s called ‘Joey’s’ and it’s on the corner at Center and Lakeview. It’s rather downscale from what you like, but I go for their excellent ribs. Twelve-thirty acceptable to you?”
“That’s fine. See you there.”
Charlie hung up and was embarrassed to find his hand was shaking a little.
On Sunday morning Charlie couldn’t manage breakfast other than coffee. He’d been stewing about what he planned to say to Baynes and his stomach was like a clenched fist. He showered and dressed but still had hours to wait. He opened his laptop and started in on his new paper. That effort lasted about half an hour and he was back to wondering if he’d made a bad mistake and what he could say to Baynes. At a little after eleven he decided he’d better tell Kate about seeing Baynes.
“Charlie, I think this is a very bad idea. If you’re right, you’re risking your neck; if you’re wrong, you’re going to make an enemy of him.”
“I just can’t let it go, and I do feel I owe him the chance to explain.”
A bit before noon Charlie went off to find Joey’s. It didn’t prove difficult and he was sitting at a small table by twenty after. He’d ordered a nonalcoholic beer and was sipping at it when Baynes joined him.
“Well, Charlie, you’ve got me wondering what this is all about.”
Charlie noted two things immediately. Baynes hadn’t assumed Charlie was going to tell him something about the case and he thought Baynes seemed more businesslike than usual.
Just then the server reached their table and started to hand out menus, which gave Charlie a few moments to gather himself. Baynes didn’t bother with the menu and directly ordered the ribs and a microbrewery beer. Charlie echoed the order for ribs and the server left. Charlie decided to jump right in before he lost his nerve.
“Richard, I’d like you to hear me out on what I’m about to say. It may anger you, but it’s just between you and me and I’d like you to listen till I’m done.”
“Sounds rather ominous, Charlie. I hope it doesn’t spoil lunch.”
“I hope so, too. I’ve been wrestling with this since Friday. It’s about a possible inconsistency in what you’ve told me. You gave me the impression that you barely knew McDermott but I’ve learned that you and he were seen together a fair number of times. I’d just like to know if you deliberately misled me and if so, why.”
Charlie was watching Baynes closely, trying to look more concerned than wary about his reaction. Baynes stared back at him for a full minute t
hen finally spoke.
“I’m trying to keep my temper because I realize an irate reaction would confirm whatever suspicions you have. I’m not so much offended as disappointed. It looks to me, Charlie, as if you’re obsessing about this case and really are scraping the bottom of a pretty dirty barrel. Here’s all I have to say on the matter: McDermott several times came by my office just about when I was leaving for lunch. I think we even had lunch in the IT snack bar once. I downplayed my contact with him because, as I said to you before, I didn’t trust him. Later, as you and I spoke more about the case, I thought you’d make too much of my speaking to McDermott, precisely as you’re doing now.”
“Why tell me about Kelsey? Why bring it up and involve yourself at all?”
“Because when Evan told me what you were up to, I thought it would help you to learn something specific about Kelsey. I didn’t think my casual conversations with McDermott were of any relevance. I told you he was always asking me questions about computing, about career moves, about the obligations and privileges he’d have if he got on somewhere as an intern. Now, Charlie, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ve had enough of this. Perhaps we can talk at a later time.”
With that, Baynes put a couple of twenties on the table and left.
Just as Baynes was leaving the server delivered their ribs and Baynes’ beer. Charlie told her his companion had had to leave.
Charlie sat staring at his plate of ribs. He didn’t want to make more of a scene, so he slowly ate a couple and finished his fake beer. Baynes had been right; the ribs were excellent. After a few minutes Charlie ate a couple more and asked for coffee.
While he waited he thought about what had just happened. Baynes’ response had been plausible, but Charlie didn’t buy it. He kept replaying the scene in his mind, thinking he’d not seen real anger in Baynes. It was as if he’d gone through the motions. He’d done it well, but not quite convincingly enough. This made Charlie far more suspicious than learning Baynes had seen more of McDermott than he’d first said.
That evening Charlie took Kate to Casa Santini and filled her in on his meeting with Baynes.
“Charlie, you virtually told him you suspect he’s the third party. If he had one person killed, who’s to say he won’t do it again? Now you have to alert DeVries.”
“You may be right, but my guess is that Baynes will very soon quietly disappear.”
“Perhaps, but you can’t take the chance. You’ve gone too far on this stupid case. Promise me you’ll tell DeVries what you’ve done and that you’ll do whatever she tells you to do. Promise me, Charlie.”
“Okay; I promise. I’ll call her first thing tomorrow.”
Dinner was finished in silence and Kate was clearly upset. When they got home, Kate made it clear she didn’t want to talk. Charlie decided he would call DeVries. Kate was right about that. Eventually Charlie went to bed. He didn’t fall asleep for nearly an hour and when he did, he slept badly.
Chapter 37
The Last Monday
Charlie tried DeVries as soon as he finished his morning coffee. She wasn’t in yet, but he was assured she’d call as soon as she did get to her office. Charlie wasn’t optimistic and didn’t expect to hear from her till much later, which was why he was rattled to have the phone ring some five minutes later. It was DeVries.
“Good morning. I have something I need to tell you and that may be of interest. Can we meet? Lunch or coffee?”
“Charlie. Okay. Look, I’ve got a pre-lunch meeting at eleven-thirty that will probably run overtime and there’ll be things to do about it before and after. Could we have a late lunch, say at one-thirty? I can’t go far, so you’ll have to settle for that diner where we’ve met before.”
“Certainly. I’ll see you then.”
Charlie was glad about where he’d be meeting DeVries. It was most unlikely Baynes might spot them there. His class went well and Charlie went back to his office to deal with some reference letters he’d been putting off. A little after one he went to his car and drove to the diner near the police station. DeVries was a few minutes late.
Once they’d ordered, DeVries sat back looking expectant and Charlie told her about his conversation with Baynes.
“Charlie, you idiot.”
“I really didn’t think he’d shoot me in the restaurant. Learning about Baynes and McDermott and realizing Baynes had misled me was too much. I just couldn’t let it go.”
“Well, if he’s the third party, he can’t just let it go either, and I’ve nothing to even talk to him, much less have someone keep an eye on you. The best I can do is to have a patrol car go by your house as regularly as possible, at least for a few days. I think you were foolish, but I also tend to agree about his misleading you. In any case, stay well away from him.”
“What sort of thing could help you out?”
“I don’t think we’re going to connect him to Giacomo. The money is the only potential connection but our forensics people haven’t gotten back to me with anything. We’ve grilled Giacomo and I really don’t think he knows any more than he’s told us. If anything is going to get us to the third party, Baynes or otherwise, it’s the money, and that’s not looking likely.”
DeVries again warned Charlie to stay away from Baynes and both left the diner.
Charlie went back to his office. He checked his email and voice-mail, but there was nothing of note, certainly nothing from Baynes. Charlie mused a bit and then called Dingwall.
“Professor…, uh, Charlie. You have something new?”
“I may; in fact I think I do, but I can’t talk about it until I get a little more. I’m calling because I wondered if you’ve come up with anything and to ask if you think Giacomo knows anything more than he’s told.”
“I understand, and no, I’ve learned nothing new. As for Giacomo, I think his admission about the laptop was it. I really don’t believe he knows any more. The only thing he’s lying about, as far as I’m concerned, is that I’m sure he set out to kill McDermott, not scare him. I’ve been at this sort of thing a long time and recognize a dead end when I see one.”
“Well, thanks. I’ll fill you in as soon as I can.”
Charlie sat back, absorbing the hard fact that aside from having either put himself in danger or unfairly insulting Baynes, he was no further ahead. After staring out the window for a while, Charlie went home, with no clue of what he would face when he got there.
As Charlie entered their townhouse, he heard Kate saying something. He dropped his briefcase in the entryway and went into the living room. Kate was sitting stiffly opposite a most unexpected visitor: Richard Baynes.
Charlie greeted Baynes and asked if he’d like a glass of wine. Baynes seemed quite relaxed and said he would like that. Kate shot Charlie a look but said nothing.
Charlie served a cabernet he found reliable, sat down next to Kate, and looked expectantly at Baynes.
“Charlie, I’m imposing on you and your charming wife because I think we need to sort things out. I admit to having been quite put off by what you said to me earlier, but on reflection I can see that your frustration and my misleading you about McDermott pretty much forced you to draw a hasty conclusion. I assume you’ve explained to Kate what this is all about?”
“Yes; I did.”
“I won’t ask if you voiced your suspicion to your detective friend. I came to explain the business with McDermott. As I told you before, he was forever badgering me with self-serving questions. However, you seem to have read my contact with him as my being involved in his and Kelsey’s scam. I had no idea what McDermott was up to and think it’s rather unfair to embroil me in his scam just because we talked in the Department. After I calmed down, I decided that I’d overreacted, so I’m here to tell you I’m letting the whole thing pass and I hope you will, too. By the way, this is a very nice cabernet.”
“Okay, Richard, I’m glad you’re not holding anything against me. In retrospect I suppose I did make too much of a few encounters between you and
McDermott.”
“Good, Charlie. I didn’t want us at odds. And Kate, I hope I haven’t bored you with all of this. Well, thank you for listening and the wine; I’d best be going.”
Baynes got up, shook hands with both Kate and Charlie, and headed toward the front door with Charlie close behind. Goodbyes were said and Baynes left. Charlie listened for a moment but didn’t hear a car start up. He hadn’t noticed one when he’d driven up.
Kate returned to her chair and picked up her untouched glass of wine. Charlie also sat down. They looked at one another for a few moments, then Kate took a good swallow of the cabernet and turned back to Charlie.
“So what was that all about? He said nothing of substance. I’d not met him, and he went into some detail about you when he called at the door; probably to reassure me so I’d ask him in. I did so only because I thought it would be too rude not to.”
“When did he get here?”
“Just a few minutes before you did.”
“Did you hear or possibly see him drive up?”
“No; just the knock at the door.”
“I didn’t see a car close to the house. He must have parked around the corner.”
“What does it matter?”
“Well, I’m earlier than usual, and I came home pretty much on the spur of the moment. I think he was watching for when I left and beat me here and parked where I wouldn’t see a car at the house.”
“Why would he do all that?”
“I think it’s pretty clear. His visit was a message, and the message was ‘I know where you live.’ Except in this case it’s where we live. Baynes was effectively telling me to butt out or put you,as well as myself, in danger.”
“Oh, Charlie. I think you’re right. This is just what I was afraid of. I wish you’d left it alone as I asked you to. Why did you do it?”
Charlie didn’t answer immediately because he felt very guilty about having confronted Baynes. He had endangered Kate, looked a fool to DeVries, and had gained nothing. He was about to mutter a pointless apology when it struck him why he’d done what he’d done.