Her Final Watch (A Detective Blanchette Mystery Book 2)

by Marguerite Ashton

  Outside in the hallway, Dan’s voice raised and quickly dropped to a hushed tone.

  Lily checked the bar top once more and every table in the room. Where was the cigar humidor? The minutes were ticking by fast.

  Dan came back into the room. “Are you done?”

  “Almost.” Lily stepped up to a nautical designed cabinet, tucked away in a corner a few feet away from the bar. The cabinet’s exterior was blue with brass accents and underneath the handle was a skeleton key hole. That had to be where Dan kept his cigars. “Will you open it up for me?”

  “If there was enough time, but you just ran out.”

  *

  After returning from Dan’s, Lily and Jeremiah sat at their desks pouring over the texts and remaining photos from Ariel’s phone. Lily had three small piles of text messages arranged by date and time.

  She was on her second pile. It had been all dry reading. A lot of the messages were between Ariel and Diamond. It was like they had known each other for years.

  The messages between Ariel and Kyle were the simple check in to make sure that Ariel was okay.

  Lily blinked and rubbed her eyes. It was getting late. She should’ve been home two hours ago. “How are you doing with photos?”

  Jeremiah finished making notes on a picture and pushed his smaller pile to the side. “It’s basically a repeat of some of what Evan told us about the letters. It’s like I’m reading her report in triplicate. I’ve taken it upon myself to match the photos and videos with the letters, then, hopefully, we can find out what Ariel’s life was like during her last days.”

  “Are you starting with the days leading up to Ariel’s death?”

  Jeremiah nodded.

  Alec walked in and placed a set of printouts on Lily’s desk.

  “The records from Venus’s phone?”

  Alec smiled. “Yep.”

  Lily lifted the stack of papers, weighing them in her hand. “They couldn’t have mercy on us and send the information electronically?”

  “Life as a detective. Paperwork. Paperwork,” Alec said.

  “We’re going to need the conference room.”

  “I’ll go set it up.” Alec turned and exited the cubicle.

  Lily looked over at Jeremiah and slid the printouts over onto his desk.

  “That’s wrong. I’ll be here all night.”

  “Not with Alec here to help,” Lily said sliding her arms in her jacket. “I’ll help when I come back. I’m hungry.”

  “Oh, now you want to use the pregnancy card,” Jeremiah whispered.

  Lily smiled and walked out.

  “Can I at least get a break before I start?”

  Chapter 19

  December 15, 5:01 p.m.

  Mikey popped open a menu from the Shell Lake Club. “Pop, Dan’s late again. He can’t even make it to dinner on time. Why are we wasting our time with this mamaluke?”

  “Show a little bit of respect for your friend. He’s helping us out by being a buffer for someone that may be useful to us later on.”

  “I have my doubts.”

  “If you’ve got’em, you owe’em. Me? I got no doubts about Danny. The day I do is the day someone else handles my money.” Pop waved at the waitress. “Where are you at with the arrangements for your Diamond’s burial?”

  “I’m waiting for them to release her body.”

  The waitress refilled Pop’s wine glass and left. He swirled the red liquid and said, “You’re her closest relative. She wore your ring. You two were to be married. What’s the problem?”

  “A bunch of legal stuff. It’s the same like before. I’m starting to think that having a wife isn’t in the cards for me.”

  “In due time,” Pop said, setting his glass down on the table. “Diamond’s loyalty to the family should be rewarded, even in death. What was her religion?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Never mind. If she’d lived to marry you, she would’ve converted to a Catholic. Give her what any devoted husband would give his wife—a funeral that shows how much you cared for her. Spare no expense. Her final resting place will be our mausoleum.”

  A waiter carrying menus passed by and seated a couple one table over.

  Mikey wondered what his father was thinking, doing this again. He hadn’t asked the last time. He had to say something now. “How’s that going to look, putting my second fiancée next to my first?” he asked, lowering his voice.

  Pop pinched his lips together and muttered, “To the public, it’ll look like they’re family. That’s all that matters.”

  “I wanna make you proud of me.”

  “You will. Once you get married,” Pop said, glancing around the fancy restaurant. “Another thing. This A.D.A, she’s becoming a problem.”

  Mikey set the menu down and stared at Pop. “I wished I’d followed your orders and put her to sleep after what she did to you.”

  “You were unseasoned and followed your heart. We’re paying the consequences for your error, but soon it will be corrected.”

  “Lemme handle this one.”

  “You had your chance. Quentin will do the job.”

  “That’s why you made him the family executioner. I messed up, and you punished me by handing an outsider the one thing that I wanted.”

  “It does no good to keep bringing it up. You get everything else that’s mine. You’ll be well taken care of.”

  Dan Ligelli hurried through the club doors and sat down at the table. “Sorry, for the delay. I had some business to take care of.”

  Pop handed Dan a cigar. “Cops give you a hard time?”

  “They tried,” Dan said, lighting his cigar.

  “Did you tell them what I told you to say?” Mikey asked.

  “I did. That I loaned you my Tahoe.”

  Mikey nodded. “You did real good. We’ll protect Leash a while longer until he stops making money for the family. Make him earn his keep. He owes us after we helped him out in New York. Anything else?”

  “Then I let the cops search my smoke room just to show them there were no hard feelings.”

  “Did they find anything?” Mikey asked.

  Their waitress came and handed out drinks.

  “I cleaned up before they got there. But that female cop, she makes me nervous.”

  Pop said, “Detective Blanchette isn’t to be touched. Have I made myself clear?”

  Dan nodded.

  “Good. Let’s talk business,” Pop said, sliding an envelope across the table. “How

  reliable is this, Windsor Securities?”

  Dan reached for the envelope. “Pretty reliable.”

  “I want this to come back legit. This is for my family. When I die, I don’t want them to have any problems. Understood?”

  “I understand.”

  “How long before I see money from my investment?”

  “I’m not going to lie to you. You and I both know that with the economy being the way it is, the market isn’t very stable. When you play the stock market, you’re taking risks—”

  “Don’t give me your broker gibberish. I’m handing you a lot of money and want results.”

  “That’s the beauty about Windsor Securities. It’s an international offshore fund and it’s more stable than the current U.S. market.”

  “Beautiful.” Pop raised his wine glass. “To doing business.”

  *

  6:00 p.m.

  Haley tossed her overnight bag into the back of the trunk, slammed it closed, and stomped back into the office. Once again Deena had shut her down. Haley figured she might as well add it to the list of heartaches from Deena Blanchette. Then Haley remembered she’d get a chance to sit down and discuss her future. A bribe possibly?

  Deena wants me to be a part of Blanchette Realty. How big of a role in the company would she give me? A nice corner office would be a start, instead of having me sit up front in the reception area. How far would she allow me to move up in her company?

  Would I continue to be an as
sociate agent with a small number of clients? Or would I get a chance to shine and land some profitable sellers to add to the Blanchette Realty database. I could do it. I’m every bit as driven and focused as Deena said. At least she acknowledged that much about me. Having the compliment come from “The General,” was a good thing. Even if she has an ulterior motive behind this sudden need to bring me under her wing.

  Haley strolled over to Deena’s office and stared through the glass French doors. A lamp lit up the spacious office decked out with its own U-shaped desk positioned perfectly in the center of the room. Library bookcases stood tall along the purple walls shelving books about all things real estate.

  She flipped at the wreath hanging on the door. I guess I’ll hold on to our secret a little while longer, but if our meeting doesn’t make me happy, your fancy party will be a night to remember.

  Dealing with Deena was like talking to a car salesman who was trying to decide what to do with its unsold inventory. Haley plopped down in a chair. She fought the tears that wanted to break free and spill over.

  “Haley?” Deena called entering the building.

  Haley pushed off the chair, pivoted to face her boss. “What is that you couldn’t tell me over the phone? Are you doing this to shut me up?”

  Deena shimmied out of her fur coat. “We have much to discuss. Things that will keep you happy and things that will keep me content. Let’s talk in my office.” Deena went in, placed her briefcase on her desk and sat down, maintaining her rigid posture. A multi-colored diamond band on her ring finger sparkled like a LED high beam. She was definitely country-club set.

  “I’ve had my lawyer draw up two separate contracts. One is an employment contract for a luxury homes agent, and the other is an agreement for one year’s probation.” Deena shuffled a few papers around and handed them to Haley.

  “I’d be on probation?”

  “Don’t interrupt. I’m explaining something that has to do with my company and your position here. If you have any objections after I’m done, that would be the appropriate time to do so.”

  Slowly Haley nodded.

  “Blanchette Realty is a primary source of our family income. Transitioning from an agent who sold foreclosures and entry-level properties to listing or selling luxury homes isn’t something that can be done overnight.” Deena shuffled a few papers around and handed them to Haley.

  “The market for luxury real estate is where I’ve been focusing my energy. It’s surging. Blanchette Realty has been very fortunate to connect with sellers and buyers interested in doing business with us. It’s our reputation that has kept us ahead of the competition. It needs to stay that way. That’s where you come in.

  “Your agent contract hasn’t changed much.” Deena pointed to the clause in the probation agreement. “You’ll be required to complete training within the first six months and remain in the top five with ten percent in sales. After you remain in good standing with the affiliated organizations listed below and achieve an outstanding record with three closings in the second year, agent fees and travel expenses will be paid for by the company.”

  “Your other agents don’t have these expectations.”

  “They’re not family. You have to prove yourself to the other agents. Once they realize that you’re a part of my family, you’ll be treated differently. Do you want the others thinking you didn’t earn your soon-to-be position? Of course not.”

  Haley felt her skin crawl. Again, she’d have to give in, accept less, no matter how hard she worked. What the hell did she have to do to get half of what her competing peers were getting? “I’ve been here longer than two of the agents. I feel like I’m starting from scratch.”

  “Think of it as a benefit. Our clients are very successful and are precise in their decision making. If you falter during any of the steps it takes to land or sell a listing, the customer will pick up on it, and they’ll go elsewhere. If you want this position, you’ll earn up to your responsibility without question. Any questions?”

  Should I ask questions of The General that I know might set her off on a tirade and risk losing my chance to work a business that I’m damn good at? No matter what happened, everyone in the office would remain tight-lipped out of fear of losing their job. Sure they could leave and start up their own business. But to leave Blanchette Realty was playing Russian Roulette with their career. Haley shook her head.

  “Good. Read it thoroughly, sign and date.”

  Haley skimmed both sheets before her and wondered if what Deena was doing was because she cared about her or was it to make her look good in front of everyone else. What was the risk of playing by Deena’s rules? Minimal, she hoped. Once she did everything that was required, she’d be flying solo.

  A shimmer of sweat broke out on Haley’s back as she thought about the numerous times she’d talked to Deena about her dream of becoming a success in real estate.

  Even with the ups and downs of the market, there would always be a nibble from at least three well-qualified buyers. She could do it. She’d make it work and do whatever it took to make things. Haley scribbled her name on the signature lines and pushed it toward Deena.

  Deena took it and placed them in her briefcase. “I’ve amended my will to abide by my sister’s wishes, but with strict provisions.”

  “You know what I want from you.”

  Deena lowered her head. “Thanks for being cooperative. Close the door on your way out.”

  Haley did as she was told, but lingered and watched through the glass as Deena leaned forward in her chair and placed her hand on the upper part of her right breast, grimacing in obvious pain. What was wrong with The General?

  *

  6:22 p.m.

  The wind howled between the buildings outside the restaurant as light snowflakes dropped from the dark sky. Little paws from an unknown animal hopped from one roof top to the other above, its footsteps fading away in the distance.

  It was one of the things Dan wished he could do instead of watching Mikey flicking ashes from the butt of his cigarette. The veins in Mikey’s thick neck pulsed like the rapid heartbeat pounding in Dan’s chest.

  “You fucking idiot,” Mikey said, closing the distance between them. “You let the cops search your house. Did they find anything?”

  “I thought it’d help the family.”

  “What did they find?”

  “A cigar.”

  Mikey grabbed Dan’s hand, jammed the cigarette into his palm and let go. “Next time, don’t help. Just do what you’re told. This is the way Pop wanted it. We don’t let the cops in our world,” Mikey said, throwing down his cigarette.

  Dan looked at the spot where his palm had been burnt. Pain shot through his hand as anger bottled up inside him. “Is that what you told yourself when you kept going to Jasmine Brooks?”

  “What?”

  “Everyone knew you were banging the cop. Quentin. Even your old man.”

  Mikey looked at the restaurant, then back at Dan. He turned up the collar of his jacket and stalked off.

  *

  6:34 p.m.

  The white Denali drove slowly alongside Mikey as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, hunched his shoulders up to his ears, and strutted down Wilkes Street. The strong wind nipped at the tip of his nose as it passed through his clothes. The smell of fabric softener seeped from the outside vents of the laundromat on the corner.

  He wanted revenge on the person who took too much delight in offing Diamond. She had deserved to go out quick and not suffer the way she did. She was a woman. It should’ve been handled differently. If Pop would’ve let him do it, she would’ve died quietly.

  For years, Diamond’s devotion to him had remained strong. She’d showed up some of the family’s best soldiers when it came to keeping silent. Even after their split, she stayed true to them. But in the end she talked, and there was no excuse for that.

  “Mikey you need to get in the car. You shouldn’t be walking by yourself,” one of his men said.
<
br />   “Shut up talking to me, Orso. I’m gonna take the bridge. Pick me up on Crammer.” Mikey cut a corner over to the crosswalk and down the metal stairs leading to the Riverwalk.

  He continued along the lighted path as it curved with the Rock River, passing benches and a water fountain. He stopped under the stone arch, took a deep breath and released it. There had to be a way to set Leash up without having to go through Pop. Better yet, he knew a woman that Leash was addicted to in every way. It was time to set up a date with Crystal.

  Suddenly, cold metal wrapped around Mikey’s neck from behind and yanked him to the ground. The metal loosened. As he slipped his fingers under the chain, it tightened, rubbing his knuckles against his Adam’s apple.

  His breathing turned to gagging as his limbs shook. Oh Hell no.

  With a bit of strength, Mikey enclosed the metal in his hand, loosening its grip. He quickly turned his head, lifted his heel and slammed it into the attacker’s shin.

  The person groaned but held on.

  Mikey repeated the move, elbowed the figure, and dropped to ground pulling the attacker with him.

  The chain fell to the ground—freeing Mikey.

  Footsteps trailed away from him as the figure disappeared into the dark.

  *

  6:52 p.m.

  As Evan and Jeremiah walked into the break room, Lily tossed the empty soup cup in the trashcan.

  Evan said, “Mikey Surace was jumped as he left a restaurant this evening. Nick said it was called in as a disturbance. Mikey was driven to the club and claimed he didn’t want to press charges.”

  Lily asked, “Who’d jump Mikey Surace and not fear retaliation.”

  “The man does have enemies,” Jeremiah said, leaning against the table.

  “I’m going to visit Mikey’s dad. I need to ask him a few questions.” Lily reached for her jacket.

  “They’re not going to just let you waltz in there and see their boss.”

  “I’m still going to try.”

  “Of course you are.” Evan rubbed the back of his neck. “Then I’m going with you.”